Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines flavorful ground lamb, savory vegetables, and a luscious mashed potato topping. With Acabonac Farms' pasture-raised ground lamb, you can take this classic recipe to new heights by infusing it with the rich and distinct taste of responsibly raised lamb. In this post, we'll share a delicious ground lamb shepherd's pie recipe and a couple of variations to add a twist to this beloved dish.
Classic Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground lamb from Acabonac Farms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen peas and broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes turn golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations to Spice Up Your Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie:
Mediterranean-Inspired Shepherd's Pie:
Add a Mediterranean twist to your shepherd's pie by incorporating flavors like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simply crumble feta cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking and sprinkle chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes over the lamb mixture.
Spicy Moroccan Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie:
Infuse your shepherd's pie with the vibrant spices of Moroccan cuisine. Season the ground lamb with a blend of Moroccan spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Add diced preserved lemon and chopped fresh cilantro to the lamb mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
The Benefits of Pasture-Raised Ground Lamb:
Choosing Acabonac Farms' pasture-raised ground lamb for your shepherd's pie ensures that you're using the highest quality and most flavorful lamb. Here's why pasture-raised lamb is the superior choice:
Superior Taste: Pasture-raised lamb from Acabonac Farms grazes on lush green pastures, resulting in meat that is tender, succulent, and full of natural flavors.
Ethical and Sustainable: By supporting pasture-raised farming, you contribute to the welfare of the animals and the preservation of the environment.
Healthier Option: Pasture-raised lamb is leaner and contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients compared to conventionally raised lamb.
Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie is a satisfying and versatile dish that offers a unique twist on a classic comfort food. With Acabonac Farms' pasture-raised ground lamb, you can elevate your shepherd's pie to new levels of flavor and quality. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with Mediterranean or Moroccan-inspired variations, the result is a hearty and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings. Embrace the exceptional taste and benefits of pasture-raised lamb and enjoy the comfort of a well-made Ground Lamb Shepherd's Pie.