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Healthy Twist on Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

A classic British comfort food featuring savory ground lamb, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 –8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk warmed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground lamb
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 celery ribs finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with warm cream, melted butter, and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown ground lamb for 8-10 minutes; drain fat.
  3. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic 1 minute.
  4. Mix in tomato paste 1 minute, sprinkle flour, stir 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; simmer 5-10 minutes until thickened. Fold in peas, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust seasoning.
  5. Transfer filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly, creating ridges.
  6. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Optional: broil 2 minutes for extra crispiness. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure potatoes are dry before mashing to prevent soggy topping. Fork ridges help achieve golden, crispy peaks.