Imagine diving into a steaming dish of pure comfort that combines the rich, savory flavors of tender lamb, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes in one incredible bite. This isn't just another recipe – it's a British culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or create a soul-warming meal on a chilly evening, this Shepherd's Pie with Carrots and Chives is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup chives, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground lamb, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a rich golden color, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the lamb until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the lamb and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with half of the chopped chives. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the lamb, creating an even layer that completely covers the meat. Use a fork to create decorative peaks and ridges on the potato surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped chives before serving. Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground lamb for the most authentic and flavorful filling. Look for meat with a good balance of lean and fat.
- For extra-creamy mashed potatoes, use warm milk and butter when preparing them, and consider adding a touch of sour cream for richness.
- Don't rush the browning process for the lamb – developing a deep golden color adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
- Create decorative peaks in the potato topping using a fork, which will help create crispy, golden edges when baked.
- Let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
- For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary in the lamb mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
