Name: Lamb and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-498470H55M2S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground lamb; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup beef or lamb broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

This Lamb and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish, featuring a savory lamb filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Perfect for family dinners, this twist on a classic shepherd’s pie offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add the milk, butter, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mash until smooth and set aside.

2. Cook the Lamb Filling: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground lamb until browned. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Pie: Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the top of the lamb mixture.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

6. Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

To Ensure Success: Ensure the sweet potatoes are well-mashed to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth topping. Letting the pie rest before serving helps the layers set.

Variations: You can add other vegetables like corn or green beans to the lamb mixture for additional flavor and texture.

Food Safety Notice: Always wash hands and sanitize surfaces before and after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Use separate cutting boards for raw proteins and ready-to-eat foods. USDA recommends whole muscle beef and lamb reach 145°F with a 3-minute rest, fish reach 145°F, and all poultry reach 165°F. Temperatures noted for whole muscle beef, lamb, and fish reflect culinary preference and may differ from federal guidelines. Ground meat of any kind must always reach 160°F. Consuming undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Lamb and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie