Aromatic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping
Welcome to a culinary experience that embraces the rich traditions of English cuisine while delivering a modern and delightful omnivore’s dinner. Our Aromatic Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping brings together the succulence of ground lamb and the wholesome goodness of potatoes and vegetables. Enhanced with a medley of herbs and a rich, savory sauce, this dish promises to warm your hearts and tingle your taste buds. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner for a family of four.
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground lamb
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (approximately 150 grams)
- 2 large carrots, diced (approximately 200 grams)
- 150 grams frozen peas
- 500 milliliters beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 kilogram potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 100 grams butter
- 200 milliliters milk
- 100 grams cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for seasoning to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, roughly 8 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots, peas, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens.
- While the lamb mixture cooks, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, and mash until smooth. Fold in the grated cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Use the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
For a crispier top, consider sprinkling an extra layer of grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking. To ensure even baking, spread the mashed potatoes with a fork to create small peaks that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 110 calories (460 kJ) | 330 calories (1380 kJ) |
| Fat | 8 grams | 24 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 6 grams | 18 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams | 6 grams |
| Proteins | 6 grams | 18 grams |
| Salt | 0.5 grams | 1.5 grams |
