It is 6pm and the house is chilly. You want something warm and filling right now. This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers.
Forget spending hours in the kitchen tonight. This recipe delivers all the savory, rich flavors of a traditional pie in half the time. Your family will think you spent all afternoon cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a total winner for busy winter evenings. It uses one single skillet to keep your cleanup minimal. You can even use leftover mashed potatoes to save more time.
The combination of tender lamb and creamy potatoes is pure comfort. It is budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples you likely have. Your kids will love the cheesy potato topping.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this meal is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You simply brown the meat and simmer the veggies in one pan. Then, you spread the potatoes on top and let the broiler do the work.
Even if you are a beginner, you can master this dish tonight. The shortcut steps ensure a perfect result every single time. It is a foolproof way to get a hearty meal on the table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven broiler to high setting.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground lamb until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas and carrots.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the meat.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the peaks are golden brown and cheese bubbles.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pie steaming hot straight from the skillet. It looks beautiful in the center of your dinner table. Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the gravy. For a cozy night in, serve it with a glass of red wine. It is the ultimate soul-warming dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days. This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F. Heat for about 15 minutes until the center is hot. You can also use the microwave for a quick work lunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip draining the excess fat from the lamb to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Use a fork to create peaks in the potatoes for extra crispy golden bits.
- Watch the broiler closely so the cheese does not burn.
- Substitute ground beef if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to your potatoes for extra richness.
- For a holiday twist, stir in a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Ensure your skillet is truly oven-safe before starting.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the lamb for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Use sweet potatoes on top for a nutritious fall twist.
- Mix in some corn or green beans for extra veggies.
- Stir in a little garlic powder for a bolder potato flavor.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie earlier in the day. Keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to broil. Just add a few extra minutes to the heating time.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Simply transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish before adding potatoes. It works just as well for the broiler step. It just adds one more dish to wash later.
Is this recipe kid-approved?
Absolutely, kids usually love the creamy potatoes and melted cheese. The finely diced veggies hide easily in the savory gravy. It is a great way to serve a complete meal.
I hope this cozy recipe brings warmth to your table tonight. There is nothing like a hot meal to make a house feel like home. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Easy Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 medium onion , finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler to high setting.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground lamb until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute to develop flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas and carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the meat mixture using a spatula.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the potato peaks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
