Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground lamb or beef simmered in a rich red wine gravy with carrots, peas, and aromatic seasonings, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. This easy shepherd’s pie delivers deep, savory flavor with minimal fuss—perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Filling:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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2 large carrots, finely diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 lbs ground lamb or beef
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1/2 cup red wine
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 bay leaves
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 cup frozen peas
Mashed Potato Topping:
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2 1/2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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1/2–1 cup milk
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Make the filling: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion for 5–7 minutes until golden, then add carrots for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
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Add ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes, flour, and tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes more.
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Pour in red wine, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peas, season with salt and pepper.
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Make the potatoes: Boil diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, mash with butter, and gradually stir in milk until creamy. Season to taste.
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Assemble & bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. Bake 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest before serving.
Notes
Use warm milk for smoother mashed potatoes.
Simmering the filling ensures richer flavor.
For crispier potato peaks, brush with melted butter before baking and broil briefly at the end.
Red wine can be replaced with extra broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Double the recipe and freeze one for future use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Baking
- Cuisine: British / Irish