Traditional Shepherd’s Pie
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
931 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
British
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie
Description
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie features a filling of browned minced lamb cooked with onions, celery, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, white wine, and chicken stock. The mixture simmers until thickened and flavorful. Meanwhile, floury potatoes are boiled until tender, then mashed with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. This mash is piped or spread atop the meat mixture and finished with grated Parmesan cheese. Baking the pie results in a golden crust on the mash and a deeply savory interior.
The cooking method allows the lamb to absorb aromatic vegetables and herbs slowly, concentrating flavors and softening textures. The creamy potato topping balances the richness of the meat, while Parmesan adds a savory crust. This pie works well as a filling, warming main suitable for cooler days.
For variation, sweet potato mash can be used instead of traditional potatoes, and extra vegetables like peas can be added to the meat filling. A thickened sauce can be achieved by adding diluted corn flour if the filling is too loose, ensuring the pie holds together well after baking.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 900 g Minced lamb 2 lb
- 2 onion minced, large
- 3 celery finely chopped, sticks
- 3 carrot finely diced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 thyme leaves only, springs
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 500 ml chicken stock 2 cups
- 250 ml white wine or use more stock, 1 cup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the mash
- 900 g potato cubed, 2 lb, floury
- 4 tbsp butter
- 60 ml whole milk 1/4 cup
- salt
- black pepper
- 4 tbsp Parmesan Cheese to top, grated
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan and add the minced lamb. Break up the mince with a wooden spoon and cook until nicely browned. Drain and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil in same pan (no need to clean) and cook the onions, celery, carrot, thyme and bay leaves on medium-low heat for five minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced lamb, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, wine and stock and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about an hour until the liquid is almost gone. Taste and season with the salt and pepper.
- When the lamb is about 30 minutes in, put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Heat the milk and butter until the butter melts then add to the potatoes and mash thoroughly. Taste and add salt and pepper. Leave the potatoes to cool slightly then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply snip the end of the bag).
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Take the bay leaves out and transfer the lamb into a 7”x 9” (18cmx23cm) baking dish and pack down.
- Pipe the mash over the lamb and sprinkle with the Parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden. Leave to cool for five minutes then serve with some green steamed veggies on the side.
Notes
- Sweet potato mash makes a good alternative topping for a different flavor profile.
- Peas or other vegetables can be mixed into the filling for added texture and nutrition.
- If the filling is too runny, add a corn flour slurry (2 tsp corn flour in 2 tbsp cold water) to thicken before baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 931 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 931kcal | 47% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 60g | 92% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 20630mg | 860% |
| Potassium | 1508mg | 32% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 5510IU | 110% |
| Vitamin C | 24.7mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 304mg | 30% |
| Iron | 8.7mg | 48% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
