Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie – An easy comfort food classic

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional Irish comfort food dish. Layers of seasoned ground meat, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes come together to create the perfect soul-warming dinner.

A traditional Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb that is simmered in a rich sauce. When ground beef is used, this dish is called Cottage Pie, but in the United States, the names are used interchangeably. 

Whatever you choose to call it, it is then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. This authentic Irish comfort food is my absolute favorite go-to dish for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!  

This is a dish I’ve eaten my whole life and it’s one we enjoy in our monthly weeknight dinner rotation. The meal as written is completely kid-friendly, but you can totally jazz it up by adding a 1/4 cup of red wine to the sauce when you add the stock.

A pan of shepherds pie with a serving removed revealing the meat and vegetable filling.

Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients: 

  • Ground Beef or Lamb – As I mentioned earlier, a true Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, and “cottage pie” with ground beef. However, in the United States, we tend to use the terms interchangeably – albeit erroneously.  If ground lamb isn’t your thing or is difficult to find, use ground beef (beef mince), ground turkey, ground chicken, or even soy “beef” crumbles in its place.
  • Vegetables – Carrots, peas, onions, and garlic – are all very traditional to this dish, but if you prefer other veggies or want to add more like mushrooms, corn, or green beans, that’s fine too. Europeans are known for using what they have in the pantry!
  • Beef Stock, Chicken Stock, Vegetable Stock, or Water – whatever you have on hand to create the gravy will work fine. If you start with water, you may need to amp up the other seasonings. For gluten-free, make sure to use a gluten-free stock
  • Tomato Paste – This gives the sauce a nice flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Beef, Chicken, roasted garlic, or vegetable bouillon – depending on the stock you’ve chosen and whether or not you are going gluten-free. The beef bouillon paste I use is not gluten-free but the chicken bouillon of the same brand is gluten-free.
  • Worcestershire sauce – I know many recipes swear by it, but I’m just not a fan. It makes beefy things taste beefier with a definite umami flavor. It’s also gluten-free. If you enjoy the flavor, add a teaspoon or two to your sauce. 
  • Fresh Herbs – My standby is fresh lemon thyme. English thyme also works well, lemon is just what I grow in my garden. You may also like rosemary and fresh parsley. When in doubt, parsley always adds a nice bright flavor to any dish.
  • Potatoes – I use russets. They are great boiled and make a perfectly creamy mashed potato.

How to prepare Irish Shepherd’s Pie recipe:

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes.
  2. Saute the vegetables.
  3. Brown the meat.
  4. Create the sauce.
  5. Top with mashed potatoes.
  6. Bake until golden brown and delicious.
  7. Garnish and serve.
A serving of Shepherd's pie in a blue and white clay bowl. The potatoes on top are golden brown and it has been garnished with fresh thyme. A spoonful of meat and vegetable filling rests n the bottom side of the bowl.

 

Recipe Variations on Easy Shepherd’s Pie AKA Cottage Pie Recipe:

  • Make it gluten-free – Be sure to check your ingredients are all gluten-free. Not all bouillon or stocks are gluten-free.
  • Make it vegetarian – Omit the meat and use chopped mushrooms or soy crumbles. Use vegetable stock or water in place of the beef or chicken stock
  • Make it vegan – Do the steps above for making it vegetarian plus use vegan milk and butter in the mashed potatoes. Omit the egg wash.
  • Swap out the potatoes – For a higher-in-fiber meal, swap out the Russet potatoes for Mashed Turnips and Carrots. It’s a sweet and savory combination that tastes amazing together. 
  • Make it Low(er)-Carb – Swap out the Russet mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower instead. 

serving Suggestions for Shepherd’s Pie:

  • Typically we serve this with an additional side of peas and carrots or a tossed green salad. 
  • Nothing goes better with carbs than carbs and more carbs, so in that case, go with a nice hunk of buttered bread or Irish Soda Bread
  • A nice cold pint of Guinness for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
    a 3/4 angle shot of a bowl of shepherd's pie. A spoon rests on the bottom side of the bowl. The rich meat and vegetable filling is spilling our from under the mashed potato topping.

     Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks:

    This recipe is extremely versatile! Feel free to adapt and experiment to suit your taste!

    1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy texture is key. Use butter and milk, and consider adding grated cheese for extra richness.
    2. Veggie Mix: Include carrots, peas, and corn for a colorful and balanced filling.
    3. Seasoning: Garlic, thyme, and rosemary enhance flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
    4. Layering: Spread meat evenly, top with veggies, and finish with a generous layer of mashed potatoes.
    5. Crispy Top: Use a fork to create ridges on mashed potatoes; they’ll turn golden and crispy when baked.
    6. Rest Before Serving: Allow a few minutes after baking for flavors to meld before serving.
    7. Garnish: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
    8. Leftovers: Shepherd’s pie tastes even better the next day, so make extra!
    A close-up of a spoonful of meat filing from the beef shepherd's pie. the bowl is out of focus underneath and a blue and white towel rests on the table behind the bowl

    Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

    1. Refrigeration: Cover Shepherd’s Pie with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
    2. Freezing: If not eating within a few days, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months.

    Freezing:

    1. Pre-Freeze: Cool the Shepherd’s Pie completely in the fridge before freezing to avoid condensation.
    2. Wrap Well: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Label with date.
    3. Portion Control: Freeze individual servings for easy reheating.

    Reheating:

    1. From Refrigerator: Place portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 mins or until heated through.
    2. From Freezer: Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 mins.
    3. Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium heat in 2-3 minute increments, stirring in between.
    4. Crispy Top: To restore the crispiness of the mashed potato topping, use the broiler for a few minutes after reheating.

    Always ensure food reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating. Enjoy your delicious Shepherd’s Pie even after storing and reheating!

    Frequently ASked Questions (FAQs):

    1. Can I use a different meat for Shepherd’s Pie? Absolutely! While traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, you can experiment with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based options for a twist.
    2. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time? Definitely. Prepare the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It can also be frozen before baking for future use.
    3. What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie? Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef. The term “Shepherd’s” refers to the use of lamb and “Cottage” to beef. Otherwise, the recipes are quite similar.
    4. Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Certainly. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans.
    5. How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from getting soggy? Ensure the meat and vegetable filling is not too watery. Excess moisture can affect the mashed potato layer. You can also broil the top for a few minutes for extra crispiness.
    6. Can I reheat Shepherd’s Pie in the microwave? Yes, but it might not maintain the crispiness of the topping. Microwave in short intervals and finish with a quick broil in the oven.
    7. Can I use instant mashed potatoes? While traditional mashed potatoes are best, you can use instant if needed. Follow package instructions and adjust consistency with milk and butter.
    8. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free? It can be! Use gluten-free flour to thicken the filling, and ensure any seasonings or ingredients added are gluten-free.
    9. Can I make mini Shepherd’s Pies? Absolutely. Use ramekins for individual servings. Adjust baking time accordingly.
    10. How do I avoid a lumpy mashed potato texture? Use a potato ricer [paid link] or masher for smooth potatoes. Warm butter and milk before adding to the potatoes for better incorporation.

    Wine & Cocktail Pairings:

    Remember, personal preferences play a role, so feel free to explore and discover your own favorite pairings!

    Wine Pairings:

    1. Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon: Perfectly complements the rich flavors of a hearty Shepherd’s Pie with its bold tannins and notes of black fruit and herbs.
    2. White Wine – Chardonnay: A buttery, oaked Chardonnay balances the creaminess of the mashed potatoes while enhancing the overall comfort of the dish.
    3. Red Wine – Merlot: The soft tannins and red fruit notes in Merlot harmonize well with the meaty layers of Shepherd’s Pie, creating a delightful pairing.

    Cocktail Pairings:

    1. Irish Coffee: The warmth of Irish Coffee, made with whiskey, coffee, and sugar, and topped with whipped cream, contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors of the pie.
    2. Classic Martini: A well-made Martini’s herbal and citrus notes cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
    3. Bloody Mary: The tangy, spicy kick of a Bloody Mary cuts through the richness of Shepherd’s Pie, offering a refreshing contrast.
    shepherds pie 13

    Shepherd’s Pie

    Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
    This traditional Irish comfort food is made with ground beef cooked in a rich gravy with herbs and vegetables. It's topped with creamy mashed potatoes and then baked until hot and bubbly. This classic Irish meal is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.
    With some ingredient swaps, this recipe can also be made, gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan.
    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Course Dinner, Entree, main meal
    Cuisine English
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 415 kcal

    Equipment

    • 12-inch cast-iron skillet [paid link] [See note 11]
    • 9-inch x 9-inch baking dish (if no cast-iron pan is available
    • heavy bottom pot (for boiling potatoes)

    Ingredients
      

    For the Topping

    • 2 lbs russet potatoes about 6 medium potatoes
    • 3/4 cup milk more or less for the desired creaminess of mashed potatoes
    • 4 tablespoons butter more or less for the desired creaminess of mashed potatoes
    • salt and pepper , to taste
    • 1 large egg , beaten

    For the Filling

    • 1 medium onion , finely chopped
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 3 medium carrots diced
    • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef , preferred 93% lean [See Note 1]
    • 1.5 cups beef stock [See note 2]
    • 3 tablespoons tomato paste [See Note 3]
    • 1.5 teaspoons beef bouillon paste [See Notes 4 & 5]
    • 1/4 cup frozen peas [See note 6]
    • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper , more or less to taste
    • salt , to taste [See Note 5]

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a large saucepan [paid link], cover the potatoes in salted cold water, bring to the boil and simmer until tender. Drain well, then allow to steam-dry for a few mins. Mash well with the milk, butter, and cheese, then season with some salt and pepper.
    • Prepare the Filling: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (for step 3). Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet [paid link] over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and saute about 5 mins. Add the lean ground beef and cook breaking up large pieces. Add the tomato paste, beef broth, beef bouillon, and fresh herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 mins. The gravy should be thick and coating the meat. Season to taste. Stir in the frozen peas and remove from the heat. [See Note 11]
    • Add the Topping: Spoon on the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef filling making sure to cover the entire surface. lightly brush the surface of the potatoes with a beaten egg, then score lines with a fork making a pattern.
    • Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

    Notes

    1. Ground Beef or lamb – An authentic Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb and a “cottage pie” is made with ground beef. However, in the states, we use the terms interchangeably.  If ground lamb isn’t your thing or is difficult to find, use ground beef (beef mince), ground turkey, ground chicken, or even soy “beef” crumbles in its place.
    2. Beef Stock, Chicken Stock, Vegetable Stock, or Water – whatever you have on hand to create the gravy will work fine. If you start with water, you may need to amp up the other seasonings. For gluten-free, make sure to use a gluten-free stock
    3. Tomato Paste – this gives the sauce a nice flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
    4. Beef, Chicken, roasted garlic, or vegetable bouillon – depending on the stock you’ve chosen and whether or not you are going gluten-free. The beef bouillon paste I use is not gluten-free but the chicken bouillon of the same brand is gluten-free.
    5. Worcestershire sauce – I know many recipes swear by it, but I’m just not a fan. It makes beefy things taste beefier with definite umami flavor. It’s also gluten-free. If you enjoy the flavor, add a teaspoon or two to your sauce. If you use Worcestershire sauce, omit the beef bouillon paste and increase the salt seasoning
    6. Vegetables – Carrots, peas, onions, and garlic – are all very traditional to this dish, but if you prefer other veggies or want to add more like mushrooms, corn or green beans, that’s fine too. Europeans are known for using what they have in the pantry!
    7. Fresh Herbs – my standby is fresh lemon thyme. English thyme also works well, lemon is just what I grow in my garden. You may also like rosemary and fresh parsley. When in doubt, parsley always adds a nice bright flavor to any dish.
    8. Potatoes – I use Russet potatoes but Yukon gold also work well in this recipe. These types of potatoes are great boiled and make a perfectly creamy mashed potatoes.
    9. To Freeze: Make sure the cottage pie is completely cold, then cover it well with plastic wrap and freeze. Always freeze the pie on the day that you make it. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then bake (covered with aluminum foil) about 45 minutes at 350 degrees F until hot and bubbly. Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F and bake another 20 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
    10. How Do I Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie? Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Otherwise, it can be frozen for up to 3o days.
    11. If using a glass baking dish instead of a cast-iron skillet [paid link] use a 9×13 baking pan for this recipe.
    12. The meal as written is completely kid-friendly, but you can jazz it up by adding a 1/4 cup of red wine to the sauce.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 384mgPotassium: 1407mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5597IUVitamin C: 16mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 10µgCalcium: 96mgFolate: 48µgIron: 5mgZinc: 7mg
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