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Creamy Shepherds Pie Recipe with Easy Garlic Mashed Potato Crust

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A comforting shepherd’s pie featuring a creamy lamb and vegetable filling topped with a rich garlic mashed potato crust, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground lamb (or beef), browned and seasoned
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, roasted or sautéed
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed (or cream for extra richness)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While the potatoes are hot, mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer. Add softened butter, roasted garlic cloves, and warm milk. Season with salt and mix until creamy and smooth. Stir in chopped parsley if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, around 5 minutes.
  5. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add peas and thyme. Let the mixture simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in heavy cream at the end for creaminess.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the filling to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the garlic mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula or fork to create an even crust.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato crust turns golden brown and edges bubble slightly. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
  8. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for about 5 minutes before serving to help the filling set.

Notes

If the filling is too runny before assembling, mix in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Roasted garlic gives a sweeter, milder flavor for the mashed potatoes. Check the potato crust while baking to avoid burning. You can prepare filling and mashed potatoes ahead and assemble before baking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and milk with plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, creamy shepherd's pie, garlic mashed potatoes, lamb casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

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