Description
This traditional shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a savory lamb filling simmered with vegetables, red wine, and aromatic herbs, all topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or as a make-ahead dish, this recipe combines rich flavors and hearty textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Lamb Layer:
- 1kg / 2.2lb minced/ground lamb
- 625ml / 2 ½ cups beef stock
- 120ml / ½ cup dry red wine (or beef stock as a substitute)
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 ribs of celery, finely diced
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 heaped tbsp gravy granules
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in the US)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Olive oil, as needed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Mash Layer:
- 4.4lb / 2kg white potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup / 125ml cream (milk can be used as a substitute)
- 3–4 heaped tbsp butter
- ¼–½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup / 40g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced lamb and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and any moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate.
- Add beef stock and gravy granules, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Remove the bay leaves, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the lamb filling evenly in the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the lamb mixture and spread evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to create peaks on the surface for a crispy texture.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with additional beef stock.
- Gravy Granules Alternative: You can use cornstarch mixed with a bit of water for thickening.
- Texture Tip: Forking the mashed potatoes helps create a crispier top layer.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat and vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British