Irish Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
This classic dish combines a savory meat filling with a creamy, golden mashed potato topping—a combination that’s hard to resist.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Masher or fork
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ovenproof baking dish (9x9-inch or similar)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Grater
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb 450 g ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs 900 g potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk more if needed for creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar for a golden top
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
- Step 1: Boil the potatoes
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Test by poking with a fork—it should slide in easily.
- Step 2: Mash the potatoes
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pro tip: Warm the milk slightly before adding—it helps make the potatoes extra creamy.
Cook the Meat Filling
- Step 1: Brown the meat
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- Add onions, garlic, and carrots to the skillet.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Build the filling
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in frozen peas at the end, just until heated through.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Step 1: Layer the filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in your baking dish.
- Step 2: Add the mashed potatoes
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling.
- Smooth with a spatula or fork. For a rustic look, gently swirl the fork over the top.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated cheddar over the mashed potatoes for a golden, cheesy crust.
Bake the Shepherd’s Pie
- Step 1: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 2: Cool and serve
- Let the shepherd's pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Pro tip: For an extra crispy top, place the pie under the broiler for 2–3 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving):
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg