Shepherd’s Pie with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar Smash

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp

olive oil

2 lb

(about 6 medium) onions, thinly sliced crosswise into rounds

1 1/2 tsp

minced fresh thyme leaves

3 lb

all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon gold, scrubbed, but not peeled, and cut into 2-inch chunks

garlic cloves, smashed with the flat side of a knife

1 tsp

coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste

1 tbsp

olive oil

medium (about 1 1/2 cups) carrots, scrubbed, trimmed, and finely diced

2 lb

ground lamb

1 1/2 tsp

minced fresh thyme leaves

1 tsp

coarse kosher salt

2 tbsp

all-purpose flour

1 tbsp

tomato paste (ketchup will do in a pinch)

2 cups

chicken stock, preferably low sodium

1 cup

(about 3 1/2 ounces) grated cheddar