Name: Braised-Lamb Shank Shepherd's Pie with Creamed Spinach
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 5 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 6 (generous) servings
Ingredients: 5 1/2 pounds large lamb shanks (4 large); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 small onions, trimmed and quartered (do not peel); 1/2 cup fresh thyme sprigs; 1/2 cup fresh rosemary sprigs; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 1/4 cups beef broth; 1 1/4 cups water; 3 pounds russet (baking) potatoes (6); 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 3/4 cup whole milk; 5 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Creamed spinach; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; a ricer

Image may contain Plant Food Dish and Meal

Braised-Lamb Shank Shepherd's Pie with Creamed SpinachLisa Hubbard

Our food editors agree that this is one of the best-tasting and most elegant shepherd's pies they've ever had. The recipe is not as complicated as it appears at first glance—the different components all come together to make a complete meal in a single dish. The potatoes are stiffer than the average mash because they will be forming the crust for the pie.

Cooks' notes:

• Lamb shanks can be made 1 day ahead of assembling shepherd's pie and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.

• Mashed potatoes can be made 1 day ahead of assembling shepherd's pie and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.

• Shepherd's pie can be assembled (before being drizzled with melted butter) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before drizzling with butter and baking.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.