Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie by incorporating Irish Cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes, adding a rich and tangy flavor. The combination of tender ground lamb, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy potato topping creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 pounds lean ground lamb
• 1 onion, diced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2½ cups water, or as needed
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup milk

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
   • Add the ground lamb and diced onion; cook until the meat is browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes.
   • Stir in the flour until well incorporated.
   • Add minced garlic, ketchup, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
   • Pour in the water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in peas and carrots until well combined.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

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

3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly to cover the meat mixture.
   • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, about 25-30 minutes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground lamb with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the meat mixture for added heat.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the mashed potatoes for enhanced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed thoroughly.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef can be substituted for lamb in this recipe.

2. Is it necessary to use Irish Cheddar cheese?

While Irish Cheddar adds a distinct flavor, any sharp Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the shepherd’s pie up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

4. Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked shepherd’s pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.

6. How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

For creamier mashed potatoes, add more butter or cream cheese, or use a potato ricer for a smoother texture.

7. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

While fresh mashed potatoes are recommended for the best texture, instant mashed potatoes can be used in a pinch.

Irish Shepherd’s Pie

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irish Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that blends savory ground lamb, aromatic herbs, and a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping made with Irish Cheddar. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The rich lamb filling paired with the tangy, cheesy potatoes creates a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.

---

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 pounds lean ground lamb
• 1 onion, diced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2½ cups water (or as needed)
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Prepare the Meat Filling:

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add ground lamb and diced onion; cook until the meat is browned and crumbly (10 minutes).
  • Stir in flour, then add garlic, ketchup, rosemary, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in water, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in peas and carrots.

• Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  • In a large pot, cook cubed potatoes in salted water until tender (15 minutes).
  • Drain and mash potatoes with Irish Cheddar, cream cheese, butter, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
  • Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in egg yolk and milk.

• Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread meat mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground lamb with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or parsley can be added to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Irish