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Cozy Classic Shepherd’s Pie

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A comforting and easy-to-make shepherd’s pie featuring savory ground lamb, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (or ground beef if preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. To the skillet with meat, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the liquid reduces by half and thickens slightly, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in frozen peas near the end just to warm through.
  6. Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk/cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a small twist, mix in a pinch of Parmesan cheese.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the meat and vegetable filling evenly into your baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top in an even layer. Use a fork to create texture on the potato surface.
  8. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If mashed potatoes feel too thick, add a splash more milk before spreading. If filling is too runny, simmer longer to reduce. Avoid overbaking to prevent drying out the potatoes. For a gluten-free version, verify broth and Worcestershire sauce labels. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used instead of lamb. Mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes can replace potatoes for a low-carb twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, comfort food, ground lamb, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, classic recipe, cozy meal

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-classic-shepherds-pie-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/