There is nothing like a warm skillet on a chilly winter evening. You want something hearty but you don’t have hours to cook. This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect solution for your busy kitchen. It delivers all that classic comfort in just 30 minutes. Your family will love the golden potato crust and savory filling.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a true weeknight hero for tired parents. You only need one oven-safe skillet to make it happen. It uses simple pantry staples and frozen veggies to save time. This recipe is budget-friendly and feeds a family of four easily. It is the ultimate comfort food for a snowy night at home.
Simple Method
You will start by browning the meat right in your skillet. Everything simmers together to create a rich, savory gravy. Then, you just spread the potatoes on top and broil. It is incredibly doable even for a beginner cook. No complicated techniques are required for this delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen or freezer.
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven broiler to high.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground lamb and diced onion until meat is cooked through, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in tomato paste, frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly; season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the potatoes are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pie straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. It looks beautiful with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. I love pairing this with a crisp green side salad. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up gravy. Gather everyone around the table for a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the skillet or move it to an airtight container. It reheats beautifully in the microwave for a quick lunch. You can also freeze individual portions for busy future nights. Make-ahead tip: prep the meat filling a day early to save time.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip draining the fat from the lamb for a cleaner taste.
- Use a fork to create ridges in the potatoes for extra crunch.
- Swap lamb for beef if your family prefers a milder flavor.
- Double the recipe for a larger holiday gathering if needed.
- Add a splash of red wine for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Use store-bought mashed potatoes to save ten minutes on a weeknight.
- Check the broiler often to prevent the cheese from burning.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Try ground beef for a classic ‘Cottage Pie’ version.
- Use sweet potato mash for a colorful and healthy twist.
- Add a handful of frozen corn for extra sweetness and texture.
- Make it dairy-free by using olive oil in your mashed potatoes.
Common Questions
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are creamy enough to spread easily. You can add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
Is ground lamb gamey?
High-quality ground lamb is usually very mild and savory. The thyme and Worcestershire sauce help balance the flavor. If you are worried, use a mix of lamb and beef.
How do I know when it is done?
The pie is ready when the edges are bubbling. The cheese should be melted and golden brown. Let it sit for five minutes so the sauce sets properly.
I hope this cozy meal brings your family together tonight. There is nothing better than a warm, golden dinner on the table. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
Easy Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion , diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven broiler to high.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground lamb and diced onion until meat is cooked through, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in tomato paste, frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly; season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the potatoes are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
