Ingredients

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut  into large chunks 

Coarse salt 

3 tablespoons olive oil 

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and  finely chopped 

1 clove garlic, minced 

1 stalk celery, finely chopped 

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into  B -inch dice 

1 pound button mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and cut into  1/2 -inch pieces 

1 pound cooked lamb, finely diced 

1 six-ounce can tomato paste  (8 tablespoons) 

1 2/3 cups homemade or low-sodium canned beef stock 

1 teaspoon dried oregano 

Freshly ground pepper 

1 cup milk 

6 tablespoons unsalted butter 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Have ready six 1 1/2-cup (12-ounce) ramekins or a 2 1/2-quart casserole. Place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat; add salt. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain in a colander. Pass through a potato ricer or a food mill and into a large bowl. Cover and keep warm.

While potatoes cook, pour oil into a large skillet; place over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots; cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in lamb, tomato paste, beef stock, and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Cook until mixture bubbles and thickens, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat; divide mixture among ramekins. Set aside.

Warm milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour into potatoes; season with salt and pepper, and stir until combined and smooth. Divide, spread, and swirl about 1 cup of potatoes in each ramekin, over lamb mixture, covering surface. Place ramekins on a baking pan, and bake until potatoes are golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand about 5 minutes, and serve.