Best 6 Traditional Irish Shepherds Pie Recipes

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**Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie: A Comforting Dish with a Rich History**

Shepherd's pie, a classic dish with origins in Ireland and Great Britain, is a hearty and comforting meal that has stood the test of time. It's a traditional dish that showcases the best of both worlds - a savory filling of minced lamb or beef, tender vegetables, and a rich gravy, all topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust. This iconic dish is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of resourceful cooking, using simple ingredients to create a filling and flavorful meal.

This article presents a collection of authentic shepherd's pie recipes that capture the essence of this classic dish. From the traditional Irish version to contemporary variations, each recipe offers a unique take on this timeless favorite. Discover the secrets of creating the perfect shepherd's pie, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the art of layering and baking. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to explore new culinary horizons, this article has something for everyone who appreciates hearty and flavorful comfort food.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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 SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Shepherd's Pie image

This rich and meaty classic shepherd's pie is made with a mixture of lamb and sirloin and topped with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping--it's sure to delight everyone at the table.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced carrot
1 pound ground lamb
1 pound ground beef sirloin
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup frozen green peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in large saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and place pot over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and drain.
  • Return potatoes to the hot pan and set over the same burner. Add milk and 2 tablespoons butter; allow butter to melt from the residual heat. Mash potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in Cheddar cheese, sour cream, egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Heat olive oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot and cook, stirring constantly, until onion begins to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add lamb and beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon and stirring often until browned, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle meat mixture with flour, remaining salt and pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  • Add beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire; cook, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until thickened and vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in peas. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and top with the prepared mashed potatoes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.5 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 118.1 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 1469.9 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

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!

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

MUMMY BOOME'S TRADITIONAL SHEPHERDS PIE



Mummy Boome's Traditional Shepherds Pie image

Provided by Danny Boome

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 pounds lean ground beef or lamb
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef stock
1 1/2 cups garden peas
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, recipe follows
4 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, quartered
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated mature white Cheddar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven at 400 degrees F.
  • Add butter and oil to a large skillet on medium heat. Saute onions, carrots, celery and garlic until tender for about 7 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Once the vegetables have softened and start to brown a little add the tomato paste and mix evenly. Add the ground beef and cook until beef is no longer pink about 10 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook and simmer for another 10 minutes. Mix in peas. Transfer mixture to an oven-proof baking dish and spread evenly. Place potato on top of ground beef mixture and spread out evenly, once the top surface has been covered, rake through with a fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. Place the dish into the preheated oven and cook until browned about 20 minutes. Spoon out the shepherd's pie and serve.
  • Fill a large saucepan with cold water and a tablespoon of salt. Add potatoes to the water and bring to a boil. Let potatoes cook until soft about 20 minutes. Once the potatoes are at a desired density, drain the potatoes and place them back into the saucepan for mashing. Add butter and cream and begin to mash potatoes into a semi smooth consistency. Once at desired texture add cheese and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

SHEPHERD'S PIE



Shepherd's Pie image

When you're in the mood for a meaty, savory comfort-food classic, serve Alton Brown's Shepherd's Pie from Good Eats on Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes
1/4 cup half-and-half
2 ounces unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, peeled and diced small
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup fresh or frozen English peas

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, uncover, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Place the half-and-half and butter into a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes and then add the half and half, butter, salt and pepper and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the yolk until well combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil into a 12-inch saute pan and set over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots and saute just until they begin to take on color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the lamb, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and toss to coat, continuing to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.
  • Add the corn and peas to the lamb mixture and spread evenly into an 11 by 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula. Place on a parchment lined half sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and measured. This will save you time and ensure that you have everything you need. 2. Choose the Right Meat: Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb, but you can also use beef, pork, or a combination of meats. If using lamb, choose a flavorful cut like ground lamb shoulder or leg. 3. Cook the Meat Thoroughly: Brown the meat over medium-high heat until it's no longer pink. This will help develop flavor and prevent the meat from becoming dry. 4. Make a Rich Gravy: Use the browned meat and cooking juices to make a flavorful gravy. Add red wine, beef broth, and herbs for extra flavor. 5. Choose the Right Vegetables: Use a variety of vegetables for the filling, such as carrots, peas, celery, and onions. Cut the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly. 6. Season the Filling: Season the vegetable filling with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. 7. Use a Good-Quality Mashed Potato Topping: The mashed potato topping is essential for a classic Shepherd's Pie. Use a creamy, buttery mashed potato recipe that will hold its shape when baked. 8. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the Shepherd's Pie until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion:

Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a hearty meal. With its flavorful meat filling, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potato topping, it's a dish that everyone will enjoy. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Shepherd's Pie that will warm your soul on a cold day.

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