How to Make Authentic Irish Shepherd's Pie with Lamb

Simple Summary

This hearty Irish Shepherd's Pie with Lamb combines tender ground lamb, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that's perfect for cold evenings or St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground lamb for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

5. Add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

6. Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.

7. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, and mash until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

8. Transfer the lamb mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

9. Top the lamb mixture with the mashed potatoes, spreading to the edges and creating peaks with a fork.

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes

• For a richer flavor, use lamb stock instead of beef broth if available.
• You can prepare the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• For a crispy top, brush the mashed potatoes with melted butter before baking.
• Leftover shepherd's pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 450 calories, 25g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 25g fat. This dish is a good source of protein, vitamin A from the carrots, and vitamin C from the potatoes and peas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Irish Shepherd's Pie with a side of steamed green beans or a simple mixed green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A pint of Guinness or a glass of robust red wine makes an excellent beverage pairing. For a festive touch on St. Patrick's Day, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.