Savory lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes
Classic Shepherd's Pie
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
1 hr
Servings
6
1 casserole
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Classic Shepherd's Pie
Savory lamb filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes
★4.5(11)
A traditional shepherd's pie with seasoned ground lamb, vegetables, and rich gravy topped with fluffy mashed potatoes baked until golden.
20m
Prep Time
40m
Cook Time
60m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
True shepherd's pie uses lamb—not beef—beneath its golden mashed potato crust. This version features a savory filling of ground lamb with peas, carrots, and a rich gravy.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this main course delivers the kind of satisfaction that keeps people coming back.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- 1
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash with butter, and season with salt and pepper.
- 2
Brown ground lamb in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- 3
Add tomato paste, cook 1 minute. Pour in broth and peas and carrots. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
- 4
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the lamb filling, creating peaks with a fork.
- 5
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then broil 2-3 minutes until the top is golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Ground lambGround beef
Technically becomes cottage pie
Beef brothLamb or vegetable broth
Any savory broth works
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mash.
Add a sprinkle of cheddar on the potatoes before baking for extra flavor.
Worcestershire sauce in the filling adds umami depth.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 6 servings
Calories450
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat36g
Fiber720mg
Sugar4g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prep this ahead?
- Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to bake time.
- Can I use sweet potatoes?
- Absolutely—sweet potato topping is a delicious variation.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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