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Amazing 40-Year Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie

Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie
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Make this traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie with ground lamb for a rich, comforting, pub-style casserole topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. This recipe brings back delicious memories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds ground lamb
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or lamb broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Boil potatoes until tender. Drain well.
  3. Mash potatoes with warm milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
  6. Add ground lamb. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
  7. Stir in tomato paste and flour. Cook for 1 minute.
  8. Pour in broth and red wine (if using). Add thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
  9. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Stir in frozen peas.
  11. Spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the meat mixture. Create texture with a fork.
  12. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if you want an extra crust.
  13. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  14. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb. If you use ground beef, you are making Cottage Pie.
  • For extra flavor in the mash, add a touch of nutmeg or a splash of heavy cream.
  • Richard recalls that a splash of dark beer works wonderfully in place of the red wine.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/traditional-irish-shepherds-pie-recipe/