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Cozy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Ground Lamb and Creamy Mashed Potatoes Made Easy

cozy shepherds pie recipe - featured image

A hearty and comforting shepherd’s pie featuring savory ground lamb simmered with fresh herbs and vegetables, topped with ultra-creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (grass-fed preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef or lamb broth
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter for sautéing
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Test by poking with a fork; they should break apart easily.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in ground lamb and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned evenly. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for 10 minutes until mixture thickens slightly. Add frozen peas in the last 2 minutes.
  5. Drain potatoes well and return to pot. Add butter, cream, and cream cheese. Mash with a potato masher or mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Add more cream or milk if mash is too stiff.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon lamb mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly. Layer mashed potatoes on top, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create small peaks on the surface for a rustic touch.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until potato topping is golden and slightly crisp on edges. Check after 15 minutes to avoid over-browning.
  8. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to settle.

Notes

Do not overcook the lamb to avoid dryness; simmer gently to thicken filling without making it soupy. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy yet textured mash. Season both lamb filling and mashed potatoes separately for balanced flavor. For extra golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground lamb, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meal, family recipe