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Nut Free
Classic Shepherds Pie Recipe with Ground Lamb
Shepherd‘s Pie with Mashed Potatoes is a tasty dish made with lamb and veggies, baked perfectly for ultimate comfort.
Ah, the humble Shepherd’s Pie recipe. It is a comfy dish that almost everyone I’ve met enjoys. Traditionally, it’s a classic British dish made with lamb. That’s precisely how I make Shepherd’s pie at home – using lamb.
The first time I tried was at Gordon Ramsey Restaurant in Las Vegas. It was incredible. Many people prefer to use a beef version instead. My whole family enjoys a classic shepherd’s pie with lamb so much.
Regardless of what you use, make this Shepherd’s Pie using a mixture of ground meat and vegetables. Top it with mashed potatoes, and bake until you’ve reached golden brown perfection. Use this recipe for meal prep to make it ahead of time.
Tips for making the Classic and Perfect Shepherd’s Pie:
Be patient with the lamb. Or beef. You don’t want a runny meat mixture that sits at the bottom of your casserole dish. You want to cook the meat and vegetables until the consistency resembles a bolognese.
Use golden or russet potatoes. Red potatoes don’t work quite as well here. I think meat and potatoes make a classic pair, and lamb goes so well with golden or russet potatoes.
Do not overbake. Because both layers are already entirely cooked, don’t bake this dish for too long. Just long enough to bring everything together and for it to set. 20 minutes should be enough.
For a crispy and golden top, broil for a few minutes. Don’t wait for that golden-brown crust to prolong the cooking process. Instead, crank up your oven to broil and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Voila!
You’ve got to try this classic Shepherd’s Pie! It is delicious!
Key Ingredients
Potato topping:
Potatoes make a hearty and creamy topping to the Shepherd’s Pie. Yukon gold potatoes are a creamy potato choice.
Egg yolks create a richness for the consistency of the potatoes.
Parmesan cheese adds a savory and salty kick.
Butter and heavy cream are staple ingredients when making creamy mashed potatoes!
Lamb meat filling:
Olive oil helps to saute the ingredients, delivering rich and savory flavors.
Ground lamb creates a rich protein base to this recipe. Lamb is the best ground meat choice for this classic comfort food.
Onions and carrots add amazing flavors to the ground lamb mixture as they cook together.
Chicken broth infuses savory goodness, enhancing the lamb flavors. Vegetable broth or beef stock are great options as well.
Garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, and red wine add rich flavors that create complexity within the ground lamb mixture.
Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and dill give an aromatic freshness to the mix.
Salt and black pepper are classic necessities in any recipe.
Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is the main course and makes a great dish to pre-make ahead of time for busy evenings. I love to pair it with a simple salad, like a classic tomato and cucumber salad. Even a side of quick and easy steamed green beans pairs well!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
How to make Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Lamb
Steps 1 & 2: Prepare potatoes
Turn the oven to 350 F.
Peel and cut potatoes, then boil potatoes on medium heat in a large pot until cooked.
Steps 3 & 4: Saute lamb, carrots, and onion
In a large skillet, heat olive oil, and add the minced lamb, salt, and pepper.
Add in the grated carrots and chopped onion after the lamb begins to brown up and there isn’t much oil left.
Steps 5 & 6: Season
Stir and fry on medium with a wooden spoon, then add the minced garlic.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, and chopped herbs into the lamb mixture.
Step 7: Add liquids
Add the red wine, stir and sauté everything well, then add the stock.
Step 8: Finish potatoes
While the lamb is cooking, take boiled potatoes and drain them.
Steps 9 & 10: Season and mash potatoes
Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes with egg yolks.
Add unsalted butter, heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, and a few pinches of salt.
Steps 11 & 12: Begin layering
Meanwhile, the lamb mixture should start getting thicker.
In an oven-safe baking dish, spread the lamb mixture on the bottom of the dish.
Step 13: Add potatoes
On top of the lamb, carefully add the potato puree. On top of the lamb, carefully add the potato puree.
Steps 14 & 15: Prepare to bake
Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top and a pinch of black pepper.
Fluff the potatoes with a fork, and place in the preheated oven for 20 mins.
Step 16: Broil
Broil for the last couple of minutes to get a golden crust finish.
Expert Tips
- Choose chicken, vegetable, or beef stock based on your preference to infuse the lamb mixture with savory depth.
- Broil the shepherd’s pie for the last few minutes to achieve a golden crust on the potato topping, adding a delightful crunch.
- Make a gluten free Shepherd’s Pie recipe by using a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve this delicious dinner recipe with a side salad or tasty veggie appetizer.
- Prepare your Shepherds pie ingredients ahead of time – assembly is a process you’ll want your full focus on.
- Use fresh herbs and spices where available – these have the most flavor and will add a rich tasting addition to this delicious recipe!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, substitute ground beef or turkey for lamb based on your preference.
Yes. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil.
Yes, freeze before baking; thaw in the refrigerator before baking as per the instructions.
Enjoy these tasty recipes from the blog:
- Green Herb Soup with Sorrel (Shchavel Borscht) is a delicious summer lunch soup!
- Split Pea Soup is loaded with peas and carrots for ultimate vegetable nutrients.
- Easy Grilled Eggplant Appetizer uses garlic and parmesan to make one of the best side dishes you’ll ever eat.
Other potato recipes
If you tried this Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Lamb or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Ground Lamb
Equipment
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garlic press
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grater
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Potato masher
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Oven-safe dish
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Pot
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 handful dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb lamb, minced (ground)
- 2-3 yellow potatoes, chopped
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ cup red wine
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2-3 carrots, grated
- 1 onion, grated
- 10 oz chicken stock
- ¼ heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ Tbsp tomato puree
- salt, or to taste
- black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Turn the oven to 350 F.
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Peel and cut potatoes, then boil potatoes on medium heat in a large pot until cooked.2-3 yellow potatoes,
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil, and add the minced lamb, salt, and pepper.1 lb lamb,, 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt,, black pepper,
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Add in the grated carrots and chopped onion after the lamb begins to brown up and there isn't much oil left.2-3 carrots,, 1 onion,
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Stir and fry on medium with a wooden spoon, then add the minced garlic.2 cloves garlic,
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Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, and chopped herbs into the lamb mixture.1 handful dill,, ½ tsp rosemary, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1½ Tbsp tomato puree, ½ tsp thyme
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Add the red wine, stir and sauté everything well, then add the stock.½ cup red wine, 10 oz chicken stock
- While the lamb is cooking, take boiled potatoes and drain them.
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Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes with egg yolks2 egg yolks
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Add unsalted butter, heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, and a few pinches of salt.1 Tbsp unsalted butter, ¼ cup parmesan cheese,, ¼ heavy cream, salt,
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Meanwhile, the lamb mixture should start getting thicker.
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In an oven-safe baking dish, spread the lamb mixture on the bottom of the dish.
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On top of the lamb, carefully add the potato puree. On top of the lamb, carefully add the potato puree.
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Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top and a pinch of black pepper.¼ cup parmesan cheese,, black pepper,
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Fluff the potatoes with a fork, and place in the preheated oven for 20 mins.
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Broil for the last couple of minutes to get a golden crust finish.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Why have I never thought to make shepherds pie with lamb? It is incredible! We did omit the carrots however because we prefer it that way but so good.