Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, combines the richness of perfectly seasoned lamb with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, and brings the essence of British comfort food right to your dinner table. Gordon Ramsay's Shepherd's Pie isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, dice the carrots, and peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- In a large pot, add the chopped potatoes and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the lamb is browned, remove any excess fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet with the lamb. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Then, pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the lamb and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the filling completely.
- Using a fork, create texture on the surface of the mashed potatoes by dragging the fork across the top. This will help create a crispy top when baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Once done, remove the shepherd's pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, paired with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips
- Use fresh ground lamb for the most authentic flavor and richness.
- Ensure your potatoes are peeled and chopped into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Don't rush the browning of the lamb—developing those deep, caramelized flavors is key to an incredible pie.
- Create beautiful texture on your potato topping by using a fork to create peaks and ridges, which will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set, making it easier to serve.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your lamb mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ground lamb with ground beef or turkey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 120mg
