Classic British Shepherd's Pie
Comforting traditional minced lamb simmered in rich rosemary, thyme, and red wine gravy with peas and carrots, crowned with creamy golden-baked mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Savory Meat Filling
- 800g ground lamb (minced lamb)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) red wine or extra beef broth
- 2 cups (480ml) rich beef or lamb broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
For the Cheddar Mash Topping
- 1 kg Yukon Gold or Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 60g unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 egg yolk (for golden browning)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg, salt and pepper
Instructions
Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the minced lamb until fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics & Build Sauce
Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
Simmer the Filling
Pour in red wine, broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in peas.
Prepare Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15-18 minutes). Drain and mash thoroughly with butter, warm cream, cheddar, nutmeg, and egg yolk until silky smooth.
Assemble the Pie
Transfer meat filling into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly with a fork to create ridges that will crisp up.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes until the gravy is bubbling around the edges and the potato peaks are deep golden brown. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.