Irish Shepherd's Pie
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Authentic Irish Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Made with savory ground lamb, tender vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is a classic favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a taste of Ireland, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers rich flavors and a satisfying meal. Learn how to make it, explore tips and variations, and bring the tradition of Shepherd’s Pie to your table today!
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes to make the mashed topping.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: To cook the meat and vegetables for the filling.
- Mixing Bowl: For mashing the potatoes or mixing any toppings.
- Potato Masher or Ricer: To mash the potatoes into a smooth, creamy texture.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the filling and spreading the mashed potatoes.
- Baking Dish (Casserole Dish): A 9x13-inch dish or similar size for assembling and baking the pie.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure broth, seasonings, and other ingredients accurately.
- Colander: For draining boiled potatoes.
- Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb Ground lamb or beef
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 2 Carrots, diced
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Cup Frozen peas
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Cup Beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping:
- 4 Large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/4 Cup Milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 Cup Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb or beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the filling is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the filling to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Irish Shepherd's Pie!
Notes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Shepherd’s Pie
Make-Ahead Instructions
Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect dish to prepare in advance, saving you time and stress on busy days. Here’s how you can make it ahead:-
Prepare the Filling and Mashed Potatoes:
Cook the filling and mashed potatoes as directed in the recipe but don’t assemble them yet if you’re not planning to bake it immediately. -
Assemble the Pie:
Spread the mashed potatoes over the cooled filling in a casserole dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. -
Refrigerate or Freeze:
- Refrigeration: You can store the unbaked Shepherd’s Pie in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the assembled pie tightly in aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
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When Ready to Bake:
- If refrigerated, remove the cover and bake as directed. Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s fully heated through.
- If frozen, thaw the Shepherd’s Pie in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Alternatively, bake it directly from frozen at a lower temperature (325°F/165°C) for 45–60 minutes, then increase the heat to 375°F/190°C for the last 15–20 minutes.
Storage Tips
Leftover Shepherd’s Pie stores well and tastes just as delicious the next day. Follow these tips to keep it fresh:-
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. -
Freezing Leftovers:
Portion the leftovers into individual airtight containers for easy reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months. -
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: For smaller portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
With these tips, you can enjoy your Shepherd’s Pie whenever you need a hearty, comforting meal, whether it’s freshly baked or warmed up from the fridge or freezer!