Classic Irish Shepherd's Pie 🇮🇪🥧

This hearty and comforting Shepherd's Pie is a beloved classic that warms the soul. With a rich filling of ground lamb and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it's a dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it's an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!

Ingredients

For the filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 pounds lean ground lamb
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups water (or as needed)
• 1 (12-ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed

For the mashed potato topping

• 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 pound Irish cheese, shredded
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the filling:

   • Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and ground lamb, browning the meat for about 10 minutes while breaking it into small crumbles.
   • Stir in the flour until fully incorporated, then mix in salt, black pepper, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, ketchup, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
   • Pour in the water, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened (about 5-6 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and mix in the thawed peas and carrots.

3. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

   • Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain well and return to the pot.
   • Mash the potatoes with butter, cayenne pepper, cream cheese, and Irish cheese until smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk, then stir this into the mashed potato mixture.

4. Assemble the dish:

   • Spread the lamb mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly to cover.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling around the edges.

🍽️ Serving tip: Let the Shepherd's Pie sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle, making it easier to slice and serve.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the lamb with lentils or a mixture of your favorite diced vegetables and mushrooms for a hearty filling.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• Herby: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.

Enjoy this delightful dish with a green salad or some crusty bread on the side, making for a cozy and fulfilling meal! 🥗🍞