Easy Shepherd’s Pie cooks quickly

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional pub dish. Some claim it as British, others as Irish. In either case, it’s a quick dish to enjoy any night of the week. It’s made with cubes of preferably lamb but also beef, veal or pork, and vegetables and a tomato-based sauce. Top it with mashed potatoes and cheese.

This one-dish meal usually cooks slowly in the oven. I’ve shortened the time by sauteing the meat and vegetables in a skillet, topping it with mashed potatoes and placing it under the broiler for a few minutes. It’s very easy to make and freezes well. If you have time, double the recipe and save half for another quick meal.

If you use lamb for this recipe, opt for cubes cut from the leg.

Shepherd’s Pie

3/4 pound Idaho or russet potatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and ground black pepper

For the filling:

1 cup diced onion

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup chicken broth, divided use

3/4 pound boneless lamb, beef or pork, fat removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Heat broiler.

Wash potatoes, do not peel, and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Place in a medium saucepan and add cold water to cover.

Cover with a lid and cook on high 15 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Drain and mash with a potato ricer, sieve or in a food processor. Mix with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

While potatoes cook, make filling. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the onion, carrots and 1tablespoon chicken broth and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and golden, 5 minutes. Add more chicken broth if pan becomes too dry.

Add the meat and garlic. Cook 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour on top and add the remaining chicken broth, tomato paste and rosemary. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add Worcestershire and salt and pepper to taste.

Taste for seasoning, adding more Worcestershire if needed.

Spread mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with cheese. Place under broiler 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Makes 2 servings.