Go Back
+ servings
Delicious Classic Shepherd's Pie made with minced meat and creamy mashed potatoes
Serine Milo

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

A nostalgic dish featuring a rich filling of seasoned ground lamb and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 pound ground lamb (or beef for a variation)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 pieces carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable stock
For the mashed potatoes
  • 2 pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
  • ½ cup milk (whole or any plant-based milk)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • a pinch nutmeg (optional) for added warmth
Optional toppings
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • to taste Shredded cheese for a cheesy twist

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and drain off any excess fat.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced carrots, stirring frequently until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Stir in the cooked lamb, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
  6. Add the stock and bring it to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Fold in the frozen peas and mix well.
Mashed Potatoes
  1. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain well and return to the pot, mashing until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in milk, butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a dash of nutmeg.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a baking dish, pour in the meat and veggie mixture, spreading it out evenly.
  2. Dollop and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
  3. Create swirls and peaks with a fork.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  5. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

Notes

This shepherd’s pie can be made ahead of time. Store the filling in the fridge for a day or two before assembling and baking. Add variations such as using lentils instead of lamb for a vegetarian option.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!