Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

from insanelygoodrecipes.com
50 min
4 servings

The key to a great shepherd's pie is quality ground lamb. Plus, there should be plenty of aromatics, tender veggies, and fluffy mashed potatoes on top.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb (or lean ground beef)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or mature cheddar, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the meat filling. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the garlic, ground lamb, salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8 minutes.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle the flour over the top and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until combined. Add the tomato paste, stir well, and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the beef broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, and thyme.

  4. 4

    Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 30-40 minutes or until the sauce is thick. Stir in the peas and corn and adjust the seasoning to taste.

  5. 5

    Make the mashed potatoes. While the meat cooks, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a large pinch of salt and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

  6. 6

    Return the potatoes to the pot and mash until lump-free. Add the milk and butter and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205°C).

  8. 8

    Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over top and sprinkle over the cheese, if using.

  9. 9

    Bake until the filling is bubbling and the potatoes are lightly browned, about 25 minutes.

  10. 10

    Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!