Welcome to the heart of Irish comfort food! Shepherd's Pie with Champ Mash is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings. Imagine a rich, savory filling of tender ground lamb and vibrant vegetables, all encased in a creamy, buttery potato topping that’s baked to golden perfection. This classic dish is sure to impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds! Ready to discover the secrets behind this delicious recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Ground lamb
- Onion
- Carrots
- Peas
- Beef broth
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Milk
- Green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure a rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Peel and dice the onions and carrots into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop the green onions for the champ mash.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a rich golden color.
- Remove excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount for flavor. Add diced onions and carrots to the lamb, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Pour in beef broth and add frozen peas. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and create a rich, thick sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- While the lamb mixture cooks, prepare the champ mash. Peel potatoes and cut into evenly sized chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, warm milk, and chopped green onions. Mash until smooth and creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the lamb and vegetable mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the champ mash over the lamb mixture, creating decorative peaks and valleys with a fork to help the top brown and crisp.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the pie to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional chopped green onions if desired. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ground lamb. If you prefer a milder taste, you can mix in some ground beef.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When browning the lamb, take your time to develop a nice golden color. This adds depth to the flavor of your filling.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Perfect Your Mash: For the creamiest champ mash, use starchy potatoes like Russets and ensure your butter and milk are warm before mixing.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the mash for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Let It Rest: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes for easier serving.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your Shepherd's Pie with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
