Savory Lamb Shepherds Pie (Printable)
Hearty lamb and vegetable bake with smooth sweet potato topping and savory herbs.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sweet Potato Topping
01 - 3.3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 3.5 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup milk or plant-based alternative
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Lamb & Vegetable Filling
06 - 1.75 lbs ground lamb
07 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 carrots, diced
09 - 2 celery stalks, diced
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 cup frozen peas
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
16 - 1 cup beef or lamb stock, gluten-free if needed
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
18 - Salt, to taste
19 - Black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with unsalted butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Incorporate ground lamb, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, approximately 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
06 - Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in stock and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
08 - Spread the lamb and vegetable mixture evenly into a large baking dish. Top with the mashed sweet potato, spreading to cover completely.
09 - Bake for 20 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the sweet potato topping is slightly golden. For a crispier surface, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
10 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This recipe balances hearty lamb with a hint of sweetness that feels like a little secret between friends
- The creamy sweet potato topping adds a gentle twist that quickly made this a favorite in my kitchen
02 -
- Don't rush the sweet potatoes—undercooked mash can feel gritty rather than creamy.
- Adding tomato paste early enough lets it caramelize slightly, which deepens the filling's flavor in a way that changes the whole dish.
03 -
- Breaking up the lamb thoroughly early on ensures even cooking and prevents dry chunks.
- The secret that makes all the difference is letting the filling simmer so the flavors meld and the texture thickens just right.