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Savory Shepherds Pie with Lamb and Herb Gravy

savory shepherds pie with lamb - featured image

A comforting and hearty shepherd’s pie made with ground lamb, fresh herbs, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with a rich herb gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (preferably grass-fed)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef or lamb broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (optional)
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing
  • 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional garnish: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Crumble the lamb into the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine (if using) and simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes. Add broth, rosemary, and thyme. Let simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in frozen peas last and cook for 2 more minutes. Adjust seasoning.
  5. Drain potatoes well and return to pot or a large bowl. Add softened butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth but still holding shape. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the lamb and vegetable filling evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create texture peaks on the surface for extra crispiness.
  7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potato topping is golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
  8. Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a little grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir in to thicken. Avoid overworking mashed potatoes to keep them fluffy. Brown lamb in batches to develop flavor. Let gravy simmer gently before baking. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture. Red wine is optional and can be replaced with extra broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, lamb, herb gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, mashed potatoes, savory pie