by Diana Rattray

This traditional shepherd’s pie is made with ground or minced lamb, gravy, and chopped vegetables. The homemade mashed potato topping is classic. For a special look, pipe the potatoes onto the casserole filling with a cake decorating tip.

Recipe Variations

  • Meat: Use ground beef or turkey instead of lamb, but be aware it will be a cottage pie if it doesn’t contain lamb.
  • Potatoes: For something completely different, top the pie with mashed sweet potatoes.
  • Vegetables: Instead of fresh carrots, use thawed frozen peas and carrots.
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Shepherd’s Pie

Traditional shepherd's pie with lamb and a mashed potato topping

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This shepherd’s pie is a classic combination of ground lamb, vegetables, and an easy homemade gravy. It’s baked with a mashed potato topping.

  • Author: Diana
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casseroles, Lamb, Potatoes

Ingredients

Scale

Lamb Filling

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into small chunks. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water; add 2 teaspoons of salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender — about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly. Add the 6 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of milk or cream. Mash until smooth, adding more milk or cream along with salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.
  3. Heat the oven to 400 F.
  4. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrot and cook until the carrot is just tender. Add the onion and saute for about 4 minutes longer. Crumble the lamb into the skillet and cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and the thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the broth and wine (if using) to the roux along with the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add the peas and continue cooking until the peas are tender.
  6. Spoon the lamb and vegetable mixture into the baking dish.
  7. Pipe or spread the potatoes over the lamb filling.
  8. Bake the shepherd’s pie for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are browned. If necessary, turn the broiler for a minute or two.

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