Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups mixed frozen vegetables, defrosted
- 10 ounces tomato soup or mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon basil
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: Start by browning your ground lamb or beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbled. Once it’s fully browned, drain off any excess fat. (I once skipped this step, and the dish turned out a bit greasy—don’t be like me!)
- Add the onions and garlic: Next, toss in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells incredible!
- Mix in the veggies and seasoning: Stir in your defrosted veggies, soup of choice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, basil, and black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through. The mixture should look thick and hearty at this point—if it seems too dry, you can always add a splash of broth.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, spoon your mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out with a spatula. (Here’s a tip: I like to fluff the potatoes with a fork before baking to give them extra texture.) If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
- Bake until golden: Pop the dish in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden top and bubbly edges. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—trust me, it’ll be piping hot!
Notes
Serving ideas: time to impress!
For a casual dinner, I like to serve shepherd’s pie with a simple side salad or roasted green beans. The freshness of the veggies helps balance the richness of the pie. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll garnish the top with some fresh parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and brightness.
And of course, if you’ve added that cheddar topping, let it speak for itself! A sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil over the mashed potatoes before baking can give it that extra restaurant-quality finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner