Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful combination of tender ground lamb, aromatic herbs, and creamy mashed potatoes. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting meal that's both hearty and flavorful. Additionally, the dish can be prepared in advance and stored, making it convenient for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 pounds lean ground lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2½ cups water, or as needed
- 1 (12-ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
- ¼ pound Irish cheese (such as Dubliner), shredded
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
Directions
-
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour until well incorporated.
- Add minced garlic, ketchup, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Gradually add water, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
- Fold in thawed peas and carrots. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place peeled and halved Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add cream cheese, butter, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mash until smooth.
- Mix in shredded Irish cheese, egg yolk, and milk until well combined.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully spread the mashed potato mixture over the meat, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Variations
- Meat Substitute: For a different flavor, substitute ground beef for lamb.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables like corn or green beans into the filling.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover shepherd's pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd's pie traditionally uses ground lamb, while cottage pie uses ground beef.
2. Can I make shepherd's pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze shepherd's pie?
Yes, assemble the pie, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the topping?
While fresh mashed potatoes are recommended for the best texture, instant mashed potatoes can be used as a convenient alternative.
5. Can I add cheese to the meat filling?
Yes, adding shredded cheese to the meat mixture can enhance the flavor.
6. Is shepherd's pie gluten-free?
Traditional shepherd's pie contains flour in the meat filling, which is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese for the mashed potatoes?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
8. How can I make shepherd's pie spicier?
Irish Shepherd's Pie
Irish Shepherd's Pie is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender ground lamb, savory vegetables, and a rich mashed potato topping. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you make it ahead or serve it fresh, this classic comfort food will quickly become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 pounds lean ground lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2½ cups water (or as needed)
- 1 (12-ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
- ¼ pound Irish cheese (such as Dubliner), shredded
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, around 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour, followed by garlic, ketchup, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add water, stirring to thicken the mixture.
- Stir in thawed peas and carrots. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil peeled Yukon Gold potatoes in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add cream cheese, butter, and cayenne pepper, then mash until smooth.
- Stir in shredded Irish cheese, egg yolk, and milk until well combined.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for lamb for a different flavor.
- Add other vegetables such as corn or green beans for variety.
- To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free alternatives like butter and cream cheese.
- Instant mashed potatoes are a time-saving option, though fresh potatoes yield the best texture.