Description
A classic British comfort dish featuring a savory ground lamb and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. This gluten-free shepherd’s pie is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetable Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb (or ground beef for cottage pie)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pie.
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Simmer Filling: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly, then stir in the frozen peas.
- Boil Potatoes: Meanwhile, place the peeled and chunked potatoes in boiling salted water. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the drained potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading to the edges. Rough up the surface with a fork to create texture and help browning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the pie to set.
Notes
- Use ground beef instead of lamb to make a classic Cottage Pie.
- Add grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for a cheesy crust.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture during simmering.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
