Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Lamb is my favorite Easter comfort dish. The tender lamb blends perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. I love its rich, savory flavors.

Shepherd’s Pie recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food for Easter. This hearty, savory dish consists of a flavorful layer of ground lamb with vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. It’s topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes.

Shepherd's Pie with Ground Lamb is perfect for Easter

The key characteristic of Shepherd’s Pie is its meat base – the ground lamb. This distinguishes it from Cottage Pie with ground beef instead. The ground lamb offers a rich, slightly gamey flavor.

This dish is a timeless favorite. It offers a perfect balance of savory meat, tender vegetables, and creamy potatoes in every bite! Here’s how to make the Shepherd’s Pie:

Shepherd's Pie with filling of Ground Lamb, peas, chopped carrots, and cheese

Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Lamb

Shepherd's pie with ground lamb is a comforting and hearty dish. It is rich and flavorful and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

For the filling

1 lb 450g ground lamb
1 small onion finely chopped
2 carrots diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening, optional

For the mashed potato topping

2 lbs 900g potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tbsp butter
½ cup milk
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for extra flavor

Instructions

Prepare the mashed potatoes:

Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Make the filling:

In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture (if using) and stir well.
Pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.

Assemble the pie:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the lamb mixture evenly in a baking dish.
Top with mashed potatoes, spreading smoothly. Use a fork to create texture on top.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if desired.
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSodium: 480mgFiber: 5g

Keyword affordable recipe, dinner recipe, Easter recipes, easy recipes, lamb recipe

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Pairing suggestions

Shepherd’s Pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are some excellent options to enhance your meal:

Recommended Side Dishes
- Irish Soda Bread complements rich flavors.
- Mushy Peas add texture contrast.
- Brussels Sprouts provide flavor and nutrition.
- Yorkshire Pudding adds a delightful element.
- Glazed Carrots offer a colorful addition.
- Apple Walnut Salad adds a sweet crunch.
- Sautéed Greens provide a healthy element.
- Corn Salad contrasts with savory pie.
Drinks
- Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz) pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the lamb and gravy.
- Dark Beer (Stout or Porter) enhances the hearty, earthy elements of the dish, especially the mashed potatoes and lamb.
- Hard Cider’s crisp, slightly sweet acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Mulled Wine complements the comforting, cozy nature of the pie, especially in colder months.
- Herbal teas like mint or rosemary echo the herbal notes in the dish.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, savory pie.
- Whiskey (Bourbon or Scotch) pairs well with the robust flavors of the lamb and gravy.

Variations

Shepherd’s Pie has numerous variations. Here are some notable adaptations:

Mediterranean Version uses Mediterranean flavors. Ground lamb is mixed with pomegranate molasses and cardamom mashed potatoes. The dish is topped with cheese for crispiness. A crispy finish creates a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Cottage pie substitutes lamb with ground beef. This variation is popular in many regions. It includes vegetables and mashed potato toppings.
Low-Carb/Keto Version replaces mashed cauliflower for traditional mashed potatoes. This version retains the comforting essence of Shepherd’s Pie. It reduces carbohydrate content.
Dairy-Free Option uses ghee or non-dairy spreads in mashed potatoes. Non-dairy milk substitutes regular milk. This allows lactose-intolerant individuals to enjoy the dish.
Vegan/Vegetarian Variation replaces ground lamb with mushrooms and lentils. This mixture provides a hearty texture. The dish remains entirely vegan.
Puff Pastry Topping Version adds a different texture and richness. This version is baked until golden brown.
Flavor Enhancements add red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. These ingredients make the mixture more complex and savory.

Contents

Shepherd’s Pie recipe