Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil (or butter)
• 1 pound ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1 cup peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes, hot  

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off excess grease.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and carrot to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for a minute more.
3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Peas and Season: Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves.
5. Assemble: Spoon the meat mixture over the mashed potatoes.
6. Serve: Serve immediately.

Optional: For a richer flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese to the top of the mashed potatoes before serving.

Enjoy your hearty Shepherd's Pie!