Best 3 Irish Shepherds Pie Recipes

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Shepherd's Pie is a classic Irish dish that is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. It's made with a layer of seasoned ground lamb or beef, topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. It's a perfect meal for a cold night or a special occasion.

This recipe includes two variations: a traditional Shepherd's Pie made with lamb, and a Cottage Pie made with beef. Both are equally delicious and easy to make.

The lamb or beef is cooked in a rich gravy with vegetables, herbs, and spices, until it's fall-apart tender. The creamy mashed potato topping is made with butter, milk, and cream cheese, and it's whipped until smooth and fluffy.

Once the filling and topping are prepared, the Shepherd's Pie is assembled in a baking dish and baked in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.

This recipe also includes a vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, made with lentils and vegetables. It's a great option for those who don't eat meat, or for those who are looking for a healthier version of this classic dish.

No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and comforting meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



Irish Shepherd's Pie image

This makes a lovely alternative to the much more common corned beef and cabbage that you may have been planning for St. Patrick's Day dinner.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     UK and Ireland     Irish

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
2 pounds lean ground lamb
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups water, or as needed
1 (12 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed
2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
1 tablespoon butter
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
¼ cup cream cheese
¼ pound Irish cheese (such as Dubliner®), shredded
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Place olive oil and butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in onion and ground lamb; brown the meat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in flour until incorporated, then mix in salt, black pepper, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, ketchup, and garlic; cook and stir until garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir in water and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring mixture to a simmer; cook and stir until thick, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove lamb mixture from heat and stir in peas and carrots until combined.
  • Spread lamb mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Place potatoes into a large pan of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return potatoes to pan.
  • Mash butter, cayenne pepper, cream cheese, and Irish cheese into the potatoes. Mash until combined and potatoes are smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  • Whisk together egg yolk and milk in a small bowl; stir into the mashed potato mixture.
  • Top the lamb mixture in the baking dish with the mashed potatoes and spread evenly to cover.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling up around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 516.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37.2 g, Cholesterol 132.3 mg, Fat 28.3 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.3 g, Sodium 301 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie image

Posting this per a request. I've said it once and I'll say it again there is nothing Irish about Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Shepherd's Pie has always been and still is a staple of traditional Irish cooking. This is a really easy, but tasty recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It's nutritionally sound with all the major food groups represented. The British use lamb in their Shepherd's Pie, but we've always used beef. Do whatever you prefer or even try turkey if you're watching fat content. This sauce is lovely and rich and should go well with any meat. You can use fresh or leftover mashed potato. I usually use 3 tbsp of ketchup instead of the 2tbsp of tomato paste as I like the hint of sweetness, but traditionally the paste would be more sound! You can also make individual pies which are always a hit with the kids. This freezes beautifully too, so make two and save one! Just let it defrost and glaze with the egg and pop into the oven as directed. Enjoy! :)

Provided by GrumpyIrishLady

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb lamb or 1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
3 -4 large carrots, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 glass red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes (estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F.
  • Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender.
  • Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat.
  • Season with black pepper and thyme.
  • Cook until browned then drain fat.
  • Add the butter and peas.
  • Sprinkle with flour and stir through.
  • Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste.
  • Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce.
  • Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top.
  • Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.2, Fat 19.8, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 115.9, Sodium 397.3, Carbohydrate 22.9, Fiber 4.2, Sugar 8.9, Protein 22.6

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE image

Categories     Lamb     Bake     St. Patrick's Day     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb ground beef or 1 lb lamb
1 large onion, finely diced
3 -4 large carrots, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 glass red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes ( estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Directions 1. Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F. 2. Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender. 3. Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat. 4. Season with black pepper and thyme. 5. Cook until browned then drain fat. 6. Add the butter and peas. 7. Sprinkle with flour and stir through. 8. Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce. 9. Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste. 10. Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce. 11. Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. 12. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top. 13. Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables in your shepherd's pie. This will add flavor and nutrition to the dish. Some good options include carrots, peas, celery, and onions.
  • Cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a little bit of a bite to them. This will help them retain their flavor and texture in the pie.
  • Use a good quality ground lamb or beef. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the pie.
  • Season the meat and vegetables well. This will help to bring out their flavor.
  • Use a thick, creamy gravy in your shepherd's pie. This will help to bind the ingredients together and make the pie more satisfying.
  • Top the shepherd's pie with a layer of mashed potatoes. This will add a delicious and comforting touch to the dish.
  • Bake the shepherd's pie until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Conclusion:

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold night. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a shepherd's pie that is both delicious and satisfying. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give shepherd's pie a try.

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