Best 6 Traditional Irish Shepherds Pie Recipes

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Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food that is sure to warm your soul on a cold night. This hearty dish is made with layers of seasoned lamb or beef mince, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Its origins can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was a popular meal among shepherds in Ireland. Over time, it has become a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, Shepherd's Pie is a culinary delight that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie image

Posting this per a request. I've said it once and I'll say it again there is nothing Irish about Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Shepherd's Pie has always been and still is a staple of traditional Irish cooking. This is a really easy, but tasty recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It's nutritionally sound with all the major food groups represented. The British use lamb in their Shepherd's Pie, but we've always used beef. Do whatever you prefer or even try turkey if you're watching fat content. This sauce is lovely and rich and should go well with any meat. You can use fresh or leftover mashed potato. I usually use 3 tbsp of ketchup instead of the 2tbsp of tomato paste as I like the hint of sweetness, but traditionally the paste would be more sound! You can also make individual pies which are always a hit with the kids. This freezes beautifully too, so make two and save one! Just let it defrost and glaze with the egg and pop into the oven as directed. Enjoy! :)

Provided by GrumpyIrishLady

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb lamb or 1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
3 -4 large carrots, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 glass red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes (estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F.
  • Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender.
  • Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat.
  • Season with black pepper and thyme.
  • Cook until browned then drain fat.
  • Add the butter and peas.
  • Sprinkle with flour and stir through.
  • Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste.
  • Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce.
  • Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top.
  • Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE image

Categories     Lamb     Bake     St. Patrick's Day     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb ground beef or 1 lb lamb
1 large onion, finely diced
3 -4 large carrots, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 glass red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes ( estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Directions 1. Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F. 2. Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender. 3. Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat. 4. Season with black pepper and thyme. 5. Cook until browned then drain fat. 6. Add the butter and peas. 7. Sprinkle with flour and stir through. 8. Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce. 9. Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste. 10. Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce. 11. Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. 12. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top. 13. Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



Irish Shepherd's Pie image

This makes a lovely alternative to the much more common corned beef and cabbage that you may have been planning for St. Patrick's Day dinner.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     UK and Ireland     Irish

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
2 pounds lean ground lamb
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups water, or as needed
1 (12 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots, thawed
2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
1 tablespoon butter
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
¼ cup cream cheese
¼ pound Irish cheese (such as Dubliner®), shredded
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Place olive oil and butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in onion and ground lamb; brown the meat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in flour until incorporated, then mix in salt, black pepper, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, ketchup, and garlic; cook and stir until garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir in water and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring mixture to a simmer; cook and stir until thick, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove lamb mixture from heat and stir in peas and carrots until combined.
  • Spread lamb mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • Place potatoes into a large pan of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return potatoes to pan.
  • Mash butter, cayenne pepper, cream cheese, and Irish cheese into the potatoes. Mash until combined and potatoes are smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  • Whisk together egg yolk and milk in a small bowl; stir into the mashed potato mixture.
  • Top the lamb mixture in the baking dish with the mashed potatoes and spread evenly to cover.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling up around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 516.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37.2 g, Cholesterol 132.3 mg, Fat 28.3 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.3 g, Sodium 301 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

TRADITIONAL SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Shepherd's Pie image

This rich and meaty classic shepherd's pie is made with a mixture of lamb and sirloin and topped with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping--it's sure to delight everyone at the table.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced carrot
1 pound ground lamb
1 pound ground beef sirloin
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup frozen green peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place potatoes in large saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and place pot over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and drain.
  • Return potatoes to the hot pan and set over the same burner. Add milk and 2 tablespoons butter; allow butter to melt from the residual heat. Mash potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in Cheddar cheese, sour cream, egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Heat olive oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot and cook, stirring constantly, until onion begins to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add lamb and beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon and stirring often until browned, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle meat mixture with flour, remaining salt and pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  • Add beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire; cook, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until thickened and vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in peas. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and top with the prepared mashed potatoes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501.5 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 118.1 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 1469.9 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

EASY IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



EASY IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE image

Categories     Lamb     Bake     Quick & Easy

Yield 4 People

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
2 to 3 medium onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Olive oil, for sautéing
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried parsley
12 ounces pre-made brown gravy
(from jar or mix)
4 large potatoes, peeled
and quartered
4 to 5 tablespoons butter
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
(optional)
Fresh chives, if available, for garnish

Steps:

  • Brown beef or lamb and drain fat. Set aside. Sauté onion, and garlic in oil until onions are translucent. Add meat, seasonings, and gravy. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes. (The mixture should be thick enough that the mashed potatoes don't sink into it.) Set aside to cool. Boil the potatoes until soft (about 20 minutes) and drain. Replace in cooking pot and add butter; when melted, add milk a bit at a time and mash to make a fairly soft consistency. Place meat mixture in a greased baking dish and top with a layer of potatoes. Fluff the surface up into uneven peaks using a fork. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 45 minutes or until top is crusty and slightly browned. Garnish with chives.

TRADITIONAL IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE



Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie image

Posting this per a request. I've said it once and I'll say it again there is nothing Irish about Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Shepherd's Pie has always been and still is a staple of traditional Irish cooking. This is a really easy, but tasty recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It's nutritionally sound with all the major food groups represented. The British use lamb in their Shepherd's Pie, but we've always used beef. Do whatever you prefer or even try turkey if you're watching fat content. This sauce is lovely and rich and should go well with any meat. You can use fresh or leftover mashed potato. I usually use 3 tbsp of ketchup instead of the 2tbsp of tomato paste as I like the hint of sweetness, but traditionally the paste would be more sound! You can also make individual pies which are always a hit with the kids. This freezes beautifully too, so make two and save one! Just let it defrost and glaze with the egg and pop into the oven as directed. Enjoy! :)

Provided by GrumpyIrishLady

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb lamb or 1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
3 -4 large carrots, finely diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 glass red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 large quantity mashed potatoes (estimating 1L or 6 cups, fresh or leftover)
1 egg, beaten
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 200C/400°F.
  • Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender.
  • Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat.
  • Season with black pepper and thyme.
  • Cook until browned then drain fat.
  • Add the butter and peas.
  • Sprinkle with flour and stir through.
  • Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock. Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy. Season to your taste.
  • Remove from heat. Grease an oven proof dish** (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce.
  • Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top. Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top.
  • Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.2, Fat 19.8, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 115.9, Sodium 397.3, Carbohydrate 22.9, Fiber 4.2, Sugar 8.9, Protein 22.6

Tips:

  • Choose the right meat: Traditionally, shepherd's pie is made with lamb, but you can also use ground beef, pork, or turkey. If you're using lamb, look for ground lamb that is at least 80% lean.
  • Cook the meat thoroughly: Before you add the meat to the pie, make sure it is cooked through. This will help to prevent the pie from becoming dry.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: The vegetables in shepherd's pie add flavor and texture. Try using a combination of carrots, celery, onions, and peas.
  • Season the filling well: Don't be afraid to season the filling generously. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all good choices.
  • Use a good quality mashed potato topping: The mashed potato topping is what makes shepherd's pie so comforting. Use a creamy, flavorful mashed potato recipe that you enjoy.
  • Bake the pie until the topping is golden brown: The pie is done baking when the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a family meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious shepherd's pie that everyone will love.

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