Savory Shepherd's Pie

Warm, hearty, and packed with comfort, this Savory Shepherd’s Pie is a classic dish that combines rich, flavorful ground lamb or beef with a medley of tender vegetables, all blanketed under a creamy layer of buttery mashed potatoes. Enhanced with fragrant thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of melted cheddar cheese, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. The balance of textures—soft potatoes, bubbly cheese, and a robust meat filling—makes every bite irresistible. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly, uses wholesome ingredients like russet potatoes and frozen peas, and is easy to prepare in under 90 minutes. Serve this golden-baked masterpiece straight from the oven for an unforgettable family-style meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Start by boiling the potatoes: In a large pot, cover the peeled and cubed russet potatoes with water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3

While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and flour, making sure to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 6

Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef or chicken stock. Add the dried thyme, frozen peas, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 7

When the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Step 8

Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them out evenly and using the back of a spoon to create slight peaks for texture.

Step 10

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

Step 12

Let the Shepherd's Pie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2724.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3396.8

Total Fat 209.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 622.9mg	0%
Sodium 5130.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 255.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.9g	0%
Total Sugars 48.3g
Protein 147.4g	0%

Vitamin D 77.7IU	0%
Calcium 1442.3mg	0%
Iron 22.3mg	0%
Potassium 7890.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.9%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 29.3%