Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Babish-inspired Shepherd’s Pie! This recipe takes the classic comfort food and elevates it with a few thoughtful tweaks, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this Shepherd’s Pie is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It's a testament to the power of homemade cooking, offering a delicious alternative to takeout and a chance to showcase your culinary skills, regardless of your experience level.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for your family size.
For the Lamb Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Lamb Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the lamb mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and frozen peas. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
Making the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Return the potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth.
- Stir in the milk and butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the lamb filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the lamb filling. You can use a piping bag or a fork to create a decorative finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground lamb and ground beef.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the lamb filling for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: The lamb filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the Shepherd’s Pie just before serving.
- Use different potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for this recipe.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Babish-inspired Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the ease of this classic recipe elevated. It's a fantastic example of how easy and rewarding healthy meals can be. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.