Shepherd’s Pie with Lamb and Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-21 · Updated 2026-06-21

A hearty shepherd’s pie layering seasoned ground lamb and mixed root vegetables under a fluffy mashed potato crust, a comforting Australian dinner classic. This Australian-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, layers ground lamb, onion, carrot into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 1 medium, diced parsnip
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 lbs, peeled and cubed potatoes
• 4 tbsp divided butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tsp divided salt
• 1 tsp divided black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Boil 2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water (1 tsp salt) for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with 2 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup milk. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 1 medium diced parsnip. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground lamb to the vegetables. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Step 5: Transfer the lamb mixture to a 9x9 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top and dot with remaining 2 tbsp butter.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes until the potato topping is golden and edges bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.