Step 1: Brown the Meat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook your ground lamb or beef over medium heat. Stir frequently until the meat is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic

Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. This step builds a savory base for the dish and enhances the flavor of the meat.

Step 3: Stir in Vegetables and Seasonings

Next, stir in the defrosted mixed vegetables, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Add the tomato or mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, basil, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and the vegetables are heated through, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The flavorful filling will be the base of your Shepherd’s Pie.

Step 5: Add the Mashed Potato Topping

Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing them out with a spatula to cover the entire surface. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra golden, bubbly finish.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you’ve added cheese, it should melt and turn slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut into portions.