Shepherd's Pie

This classic shepherd's pie layers a thick, savory lamb-and-vegetable gravy beneath creamy cheddar mashed potatoes that brown beautifully in a hot oven.

90 min

4 servings

Golden fork-ridged mashed potatoes cover a skillet of rich lamb, carrot, and pea shepherd's pie.

Ingredients

1 1/4 lb ground lamb

1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

1 large yellow onion, diced

2 medium carrots, diced small

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1 cup low-sodium beef broth

1 cup frozen peas

2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

1/2 cup whole milk

3 oz sharp cheddar, finely grated

Equipment

Large oven-safe skillet or 2-quart baking dish · Medium saucepan · Potato masher · Colander · Wooden spoon

Keep it shepherd's pie

Ground lamb gives this dish its traditional name; use ground beef if needed, but call that version cottage pie.

Assemble ahead

Cool the filling and topping separately, assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to one day; bake until hot and browned.

Prepare the potatoes

01. Heat the oven to 425 F, with a rack in the upper third for strong browning.

02. Simmer potatoes in cold salted water until knife-tender; starting cold helps them cook evenly.

Make the filling

03. Brown the lamb deeply before adding vegetables so it develops savory roasted flavor.

04. Cook onion and carrots until soft, then add garlic only for the final minute.

05. Simmer the broth with tomato paste, Worcestershire, and thyme until the gravy is thick enough to hold a spoon trail.

06. Fold in peas, season to taste, and level the compact filling in the skillet.

Mash and assemble

07. Steam-dry the drained potatoes briefly, then mash with butter, milk, and half the cheddar until spreadable.

08. Seal the filling with mashed potatoes, make fork ridges, and scatter over the remaining cheddar.

Bake and serve

09. Bake until the edges bubble and the fork ridges are deeply golden, then rest 10 minutes for cleaner portions.