Shepherd's Pie with Lamb and Root Vegetables
A hearty and comforting Shepherd's Pie featuring tender lamb mince simmered with a medley of root vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Lamb mince
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Parsnips(diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 500 ml Beef or lamb stock
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme(chopped)
- 1 tsp Fresh rosemary(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and quartered)
- 100 g Butter
- 100 ml Milk(warmed)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add lamb mince and brown, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess fat.
- 3
Add chopped onions, carrots, parsnips, and celery to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- 4
Stir in minced garlic, flour, tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute.
- 5
Gradually pour in the stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened.
- 6
Season the lamb mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If not using an oven-safe dish, transfer the mixture to a suitable ovenproof dish.
- 7
While the lamb mixture is simmering, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well and mash with butter and warmed milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- 8
Spoon the mashed potato topping evenly over the lamb mixture, creating a seal around the edges. Rough up the surface with a fork to create crispy bits.
- 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- 10
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb stock instead of beef stock.
- ✓Add a splash of red wine to the lamb mixture for extra depth.
- ✓Ensure the mashed potato topping is thick enough to hold its shape.
🔄 Variations
- Use a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes for the topping.
- Add peas or corn to the lamb filling for extra color and texture.
- For a cheesy topping, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.