Lamb Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Mashed potatoes provide the topping for a hearty and meaty Shepherd’s Pie. Karen Keb

I devised this easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe after watching an episode of a cooking show where the chef describes what he’s doing, but doesn’t always give measurements, so you have to listen carefully, write fast, and use your thinking cap.

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Savory Pie Recipes 

This easy Shepherd’s Pie is bursting with layers of flavor and is anything but bland.

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled

Filling:
1 large carrot
1 large onion
4 cloves garlic
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/4 cup red wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds ground lamb (grassfed is best)
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chicken stock

Topping:
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter
1 egg yolk
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Scrub potatoes clean and place in large pot of salted water. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until easily pierced with fork.

Prep filling ingredients: Grate carrot and onion, using box grater or food processor; mince garlic; and open can of tomato paste and bottle of wine.

Heat oven to 400°F.

In large, deep skillet, heat olive oil for 1 minute. Add lamb and stir, breaking into fine mince. Add rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper, and continue stirring. Add carrot and onion, and stir well. Everything should be well-incorporated.

Add Worcestershire, stir, add tomato paste, stir, then add red wine and let simmer for 1 minute. Add chicken stock and cook for another minute. Turn off heat and set aside.

Now the potatoes should be done. Drain and return to pan. Add cream, butter and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mash together, skins and all, and set aside.

Scoop filling mixture into deep casserole dish (or if you used an ovenproof skillet, just smooth down the meat mixture) and carefully pipe or spread mashed potatoes on top using back of large spoon. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top. Drag fork over top of potatoes to create peaks and valleys.

Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until top is nicely browned. Broil for 1 or 2 minutes at the end, if desired. Serve immediately. Lamb Shepherd’s Pie Recipe yields 8 servings.