Fully Loaded Shepherd’s Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Serves: 4

Description:

With bacon and Cheddar cheese, this lamb shepherds pie is pure comfort food.

Ingredients List:

• 1 pkg (350 g) SunGold Seasoned Lamb for Shepherds Pie
• 2 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste
• 1 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped parsley

Mashed Potato Topping:

• 1 lb (500 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) milk (approx.)
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation & Directions:

• Heat large skillet set over medium heat; cook bacon for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly crisped and most of fat has rendered.
• Add lamb; cook for about 5 minutes or until starting to brown.
• Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic and rosemary; cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften.
• Add tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle flour over top and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Slowly stir in chicken broth and bring to boil; reduce heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture is thickened and vegetables are tender.
• Stir in green onions and parsley.
• Divide mixture among four 1-cup (250 mL) ramekins.

Mashed Potato Topping:

• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400F (200C).
• In saucepan, cook potatoes in boiling salted water for 15 to 18 minutes or until fork-tender; drain well.
• Return potatoes to saucepan.
• Add milk, butter, salt and pepper; mash until smooth, adding up to 1 tbsp (15 mL) more milk if necessary.
• Top each shepherds pie with potato topping.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly over top; bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese melts and filling is heated through.

Tip:

• Use 8-oz (250 mL) foil cups in place of ramekins if desired.