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
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
