Description
Hearty Irish classic Shepherds Pie delivers comfort with layers of savory ground lamb nestled beneath creamy mashed potatoes. Rustic flavors blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground lamb
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (to thicken)
Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes, peeled & cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk (or heavy cream)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Submerge peeled potatoes in a generously salted water bath, allowing them to simmer until they yield effortlessly to a fork’s gentle pierce.
- Carefully drain the potatoes and transfer to a mixing bowl, transforming them into a velvety canvas with rhythmic mashing motions.
- Introduce creamy dairy and seasoning, whisking until the potato mixture achieves a cloud-like consistency with silky smooth textures.
- For enthusiasts seeking an extra flavor dimension, fold in sharp cheddar cheese, creating delightful pockets of tangy richness throughout the mashed potatoes.
- Gently set the potato mixture aside, allowing it to rest while preparing for the next culinary phase of this comforting dish.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the most creamy and fluffy mashed potato topping.
- Add a splash of reserved potato water while mashing to achieve a smoother, more velvety texture without making the potatoes too wet.
- For a lighter version, replace whole milk with low-fat milk or substitute part of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing richness.
- Sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley on top of the cheese for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg