Spring Shepherd's Pie

Celebrate the flavors of the season with this vibrant and hearty Spring Shepherd's Pie, a fresh twist on the traditional comfort food! Packed with an array of spring vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, peas, and carrots, this dish balances wholesome nutrition with bold flavors. A savory base of tender ground lamb (or turkey for a leaner option) is simmered in a rich thyme-infused sauce, then topped with creamy, Parmesan-enriched mashed potatoes for the perfect golden-crusted finish. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Whether you're looking to embrace seasonal produce or simply crave a lighter take on a classic, this Spring Shepherd's Pie is guaranteed to please. Perfect for spring dinner ideas, comforting casseroles, or seasonal meal prep inspiration.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 pound ground lamb (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the carrot and zucchini, cooking for 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5

Add the chopped asparagus and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and remove the vegetables from the skillet. Set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the ground lamb or ground turkey. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 7

Sprinkle the meat with the flour, stirring it in thoroughly to coat. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 8

Pour in the broth, stirring constantly to create a thickened sauce. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet, stirring to combine evenly with the meat mixture. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a baking dish (8x8-inch or equivalent).

Step 10

While the filling cools slightly, prepare the potato topping. Boil the quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 11

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 12

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable filling in the baking dish, creating small peaks with the back of a spoon if desired.

Step 13

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 14

Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spring Shepherd's Pie!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(956.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1980.6

Total Fat 155.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 455.9mg	0%
Sodium 2768.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 20.2g
Protein 90.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 171.4mg	0%
Iron 11.0mg	0%
Potassium 1878.3mg	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: 70.1%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 11.8%