Classic Sheperd’s Pie

This Classic Shepherd’s Pie brings traditional British comfort to your table with layers of savory ground lamb, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with golden cheddar cheese. The rich, herb-infused lamb mixture creates a hearty base while the fluffy potato topping provides the perfect creamy contrast. It’s a complete meal that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep that tastes even better the next day.

If you love hearty casseroles, you’ll also enjoy our Traditional Irish Stew with its tender lamb and vegetables in rich broth. For another comforting potato-topped dish, try the Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole. It offers that same satisfying combination of protein and creamy potatoes that makes this shepherd’s pie so beloved.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Recipe by Daily Disher

Classic Shepherd’s Pie layers savory ground lamb with vegetables in rich gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and golden melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Course: MainCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Medium

4.0 from 1 vote

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Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

350

kcal

1

hour 

20

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground lamb

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 4 carrots, peeled and diced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 0.25 cup butter

• 0.5 cup milk

• 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Add ground lamb to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is browned evenly.
• Stir in the vegetable broth and tomato paste, ensuring that the liquids are well combined with the meat.
• Add frozen peas, diced carrots, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Meanwhile, in a separate pot, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
• Mash potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spread the lamb mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing out the surface.
• Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool slightly before serving, as this helps to set the layers and enhances the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 4
• Calories: 250kcal
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 2mg

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For ultimate comfort classics, our Tamale Casserole and French Onion Potatoes deliver that cozy, home-cooked satisfaction everyone craves. When you’re planning hearty mains, the Oven Roasted Brisket and Chile Colorado bring bold, warming flavors to the table. Need crowd-pleasing casseroles? Our Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole and Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole prove that one-dish meals can be incredibly satisfying and delicious.

Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.