🥘 Mediterranean Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef (lamb is more traditional)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, gives warmth)

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 3 tbsp olive oil (or butter if preferred)

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (for tangy creaminess)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes

   • Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 minutes).

   • Drain, mash with olive oil, Greek yogurt, and feta until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.

2. Cook the Filling

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

   • Add ground lamb/beef, cook until browned.

   • Stir in carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper, cook 5 minutes.

   • Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.

   • Stir in olives, season with salt & pepper.

3. Assemble the Pie

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Spread the meat filling into a greased baking dish.

   • Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly with a spatula.

   • Optionally drizzle olive oil or sprinkle a little extra feta on top.

4. Bake

   • Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is lightly golden.

   • Garnish with parsley before serving.

❓Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken instead of lamb or beef?
👉 Yes, ground chicken or turkey works too, but the flavor will be lighter.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
👉 Absolutely! Replace the meat with lentils or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

Q: What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the topping?
👉 You can use sour cream or cream cheese for creaminess.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
👉 Yes! Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What side dish goes well with this?
👉 A fresh Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomato, and lemon dressing pairs perfectly.