Classic Shepherd's Pie with Creamy Mashed Potato Crust
A hearty shepherd's pie with a savory lamb and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling.
- Prep20 min
- Cook40 min
- Total1h
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
This shepherd's pie is the ultimate comfort food: a rich, meaty filling with vegetables in a savory gravy, all hidden under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. It's a complete meal in one dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
You can use ground lamb for a traditional version or lean ground beef for a milder flavor. The mashed potatoes on top turn golden and crispy in the oven, making every spoonful a delicious mix of textures.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground lamb (or beef) with the onion and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the flour, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the mixed vegetables, adding a little more broth if needed to get a gravy-like consistency.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish and spread it evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling. If you like, broil for 2 minutes to brown the top.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips
- For a golden top, use a fork to create peaks in the mashed potatoes before baking.
- You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm.
- If using ground beef, choose a lean cut to reduce excess fat.
Inspired by a recipe from Spend With Pennies