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Leftover-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, versatile dish that layers cooked meat and vegetables under a creamy mashed potato topping. The dish is baked until bubbling and golden, with a crispy crust contrasting a rich, savory filling. It’s an ideal way to transform odds and ends into a warm, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground lamb preferably fatty for richness
  • 4 potatoes Yukon Gold recommended
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots chopped small
  • 1/2 cup peas frozen or fresh
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth for gravy
  • 2 tbsp flour to thicken gravy
  • 3 tbsp butter for mashed potatoes
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • to taste salt and pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese optional, for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Masher or fork
  • Spatula
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks, then boil in salted water until very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in chopped carrots and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender and fragrant. Add peas and cook briefly, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together broth and flour to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a gravy and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Return to your drained potatoes and mash them with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt until silky and fluffy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish.
  8. Top the filling with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even crust.
  9. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for added flavor and crunch.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot, enjoying the crispy topping and hearty filling.

Notes

Feel free to customize with leftover vegetables or seasonal greens. For a lighter version, skip the cheese or use cauliflower mash. Broil for an extra crispy top if desired.