Dive into the heart of Irish comfort food with this mouthwatering Irish Style Shepherd's Pie! Bursting with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is the ultimate cozy meal that will warm your soul and impress your family and friends. With just a few simple steps, you can transform humble ingredients into a golden-brown masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to discover how to create this classic dish that’s sure to become a family favorite? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb or beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a rich golden color.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate diced carrots into the meat mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables, and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in beef broth and add frozen peas, stirring to combine. Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes until the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, creating an even layer that completely covers the filling.
- Use a fork to create decorative peaks and ridges on the potato surface, which will crisp up and brown beautifully during baking.
- Place the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, portioning out generous servings that showcase the layers of meat and creamy potato topping.
Tips
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: While traditional shepherd's pie uses lamb, feel free to substitute with ground beef for a milder flavor. Both options are delicious!
- Perfect Your Mashed Potatoes: For the best topping, use creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and cream. The creamier the potatoes, the better the texture when baked.
- Layering is Key: Make sure to spread the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish before adding the mashed potatoes. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Create Texture: Use a fork to create peaks and ridges in the mashed potatoes. These will crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful texture to each serving.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the shepherd's pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes for easier slicing.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as corn or bell peppers, to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Ahead: Shepherd's pie can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a hassle-free meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
