Pub-Style Irish Shepherd's Pie

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1. 1Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. 2Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine lamb with flour. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3Step 3: Add coated lamb to pot and brown all over, about 7 minutes, stirring frequently. With a slotted spoon, transfer lamb to a clean bowl. Cover with foil to keep warm. Set aside.
4. 4Step 4: Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in the pot. Add leeks, celery, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. 5Step 5: Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
6. 6Step 6: Add red wine or stout beer to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping with a wooden spoon and cook 2-3 minutes.
7. 7Step 7: Return lamb to the pot. Stir in chicken or beef stock and Worcestershire sauce.
8. 8Step 8: Tie thyme and rosemary sprigs together with kitchen twine. Toss the bundle and bay leaf in the pot.
9. 9Step 9: Bring mixture to a boil; reduce to simmer. Partially cover, and simmer 40 minutes. Lamb should be tender and gravy thickened. (If using ground meat, you can simmer just 20 minutes. Stew meat takes longer to get tender.)
10. 10Step 10: Remove bay leaf and thyme/rosemary bundle. Stir in peas and corn. Remove from heat. Let cool before spreading on mashed potato topping.
11. 11Step 11: Lamb mixture should be thick like a stew. (Can be made 1 day ahead of assembling. Cover and refrigerate.)
12. 12Step 12: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover by 1-inch with tap water.
13. 13Step 13: Toss in thyme, rosemary and garlic.
14. 14Step 14: Generously season the water with salt and bring to a boil.
15. 15Step 15: Lower heat to a gentle boil and cook potatoes until they are fork tender, 12-15 minutes.
16. 16Step 16: Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large bowl.
17. 17Step 17: Warm the milk in the microwave and add to the drained potatoes. Add the butter and cheese.
18. 18Step 18: Season with salt and pepper. Mash or whip until fluffy and creamy.
19. 19Step 19: Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer lamb stew into lightly greased ramekins for individual portions or 13x9 casserole dish. Let cool before topping with potatoes.
20. 20Step 20: Top with mashed potatoes. Place prepared dishes on a rimmed baking pan in case any of the stew bubbles over. Bake for 20 minutes.
21. 21Step 21: Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!