Cozy up with the indulgent comfort of "Warm Woolly Sheep," a delightful shepherd’s pie-inspired dish that combines savory ground lamb, aromatic rosemary and thyme, and colorful vegetables in a rich, velvety sauce. Topped with fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection, this hearty recipe is as visually charming as it is delicious, featuring a whimsical “woolly” texture on the potato crust. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-follow casserole dish is packed with classic flavors and rich textures that make it an ideal centerpiece for a family dinner. With just 25 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients like russet potatoes, frozen peas, and Worcestershire sauce, "Warm Woolly Sheep" pairs nostalgia with a touch of creativity, delivering pure comfort in every bite.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large skillet, add the ground lamb and cook over medium heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flour to coat everything evenly.
Slowly pour in the beef or lamb stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Add the frozen peas, stir to combine, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and boil until tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Mash until smooth and fluffy.
Transfer the lamb mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create a wavy texture on the surface for a “woolly” appearance.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Warm Woolly Sheep!
Calories |
850 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.1 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.2 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 1274 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.1 g | ||
| Protein | 44.8 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 174 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 2265 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.