What is Irish Shepherd’s Pie made of?

Irish Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional dish made with ground lamb cooked in a savory gravy, often mixed with onions, carrots, and peas. This meat mixture is then topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden on top. The combination of seasoned lamb and smooth potatoes creates a comforting and hearty meal popular in Ireland.

How is Shepherd’s Pie different from Cottage Pie?

The key difference lies in the type of meat used. Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while Cottage Pie uses ground beef. Both dishes include a mashed potato topping and are baked, but the choice of lamb versus beef affects the flavor and authenticity of the recipe.

Can I prepare Irish Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook and cool the lamb filling and the mashed potatoes separately, then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, layer the filling and mashed potatoes in a baking dish and bake until heated through. This makes it convenient for busy days or entertaining guests.

What are good side dishes to serve with Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, but serving it alongside a light side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables can balance the richness of the dish. A fresh, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette helps add a refreshing contrast to the hearty pie.

Does Shepherd’s Pie keep well as leftovers?

Shepherd’s Pie stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy potato topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may cause the potatoes to become soggy. Leftovers can typically be enjoyed for 3 to 4 days after cooking.

Irish Shepherds Pie Recipe With Classic Traditional Ingredients

Name: Irish Shepherds Pie
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: – 2 pounds (about 900 grams) russet potatoes peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces; – 2 teaspoons salt for boiling water; – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided; – 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk of choice; – 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt; – 3/4 teaspoon salt; – 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 1 lightly beaten egg; – 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional if using fattier meat); – 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground lamb or ground beef; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; – 1 chopped yellow or white onion; – 4 minced garlic cloves; – 8 ounces (about 225 grams) sliced cremini mushrooms; – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried; – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 2 tablespoons all-purpose or whole wheat flour; – 3/4 cup (180 ml) dry red wine or substitute with beef broth; – 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) low-sodium beef broth; – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; – 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt; – 3/4 to 1 teaspoon black pepper; – 2 cups frozen peas and carrots; – 1/2 cup frozen corn; – Chopped parsley for optional garnish

Description

🍲 Experience the warmth of traditional Irish comfort with this hearty shepherd’s pie featuring classic ingredients.
🥔 Creamy mashed potatoes paired with savory meat and vegetables create a satisfying and nourishing meal perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds (about 900 grams) russet potatoes peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces

– 2 teaspoons salt for boiling water

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided

– 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk of choice

– 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

– 3/4 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 lightly beaten egg

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional if using fattier meat)

– 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground lamb or ground beef

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 chopped yellow or white onion

– 4 minced garlic cloves

– 8 ounces (about 225 grams) sliced cremini mushrooms

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose or whole wheat flour

– 3/4 cup (180 ml) dry red wine or substitute with beef broth

– 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) low-sodium beef broth

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 to 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 cups frozen peas and carrots

– 1/2 cup frozen corn

– Chopped parsley for optional garnish

Instructions

1-First, prepare the potatoes: Peel and chop 2 pounds of russet potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Boil them in water with 2 teaspoons of salt for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Once done, drain and mash them with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (divided), 3/4 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 lightly beaten egg. This creates that creamy topping we all love.

2-While the potatoes cook, work on the filling: In a pan, sauté 1 pound of ground lamb or beef with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until browned. Add 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms, 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary, cooking until tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of flour, then deglaze with 3/4 cup of red wine or beef broth.

3-Building and Baking the Pie: Next, pour in 1 1/4 cups of low-sodium beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, simmering until the mixture thickens. Season with 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 to 1 teaspoon black pepper, then mix in 2 cups of frozen peas and carrots plus 1/2 cup of frozen corn. Spread this filling into a baking dish, top with the mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. If you want a golden crust, broil briefly and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

🍽 Use lean ground lamb or beef for authentic flavor and to reduce excess fat.
🥄 For gluten-free, substitute appropriate flour and Worcestershire sauce.
🍷 Substitute beef broth for red wine to make it alcohol-free or for a milder taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Irish Shepherd's Pie, Traditional Irish Recipe, Comfort Food, Mashed Potato Casserole