Irish Shepherd’s Pie

March is one of those month’s that gives me inspiration. Maybe it’s because of the warmer weather or because it’s my birthday month, or even because it’s the month that celebrates my heritage. Whatever the reason, I have been craving Irish food this month. And this classic Irish Shepherd’s Pie was something I was craving!

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Shepherd’s pie is a classic Irish dish probably because it’s the ultimate comfort food. It features meat and potatoes and that’s comfort food in anyone’s book (especially the Irish). I grew up on meat and potatoes and proud of it!


As I mentioned this dish starts with potatoes, 5 of them cut up, boiled and made into mashed potatoes. This is the icing on our Shepherd’s Pie!

The beef if browned and seasoned in a skillet. Beef broth is added to make what looks like meat soup. I added that to a casserole dish. The cooked mashed potatoes go on top.

Add cheese to the top and bake for 10-15 minutes or until your top looks like this. It’s perfectly melted cheese over our meat and potatoes! And did I mention it’s delicious.

It truly is my comfort food. I enjoyed this for lunch the day after and tasted even better than the first night. And it makes a wonderful dish to serve on St. Patrick’s Day or any day really! Enjoy!

Irish Shepherd’s Pie

Irish Shepherd’s Pie is truly my comfort food. It makes a wonderful dish to serve on St. Patrick’s Day or any day really! Enjoy!

Course dinner
Keyword Irish Shepherd’s Pie
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 Potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 4 tablespoons Butter divided
  • 1 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic chopped
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 2 cups Beef Stock or Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Browning and Seasoning Sauce
  • 8 ounces Mixed Shredded Cheese
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and coat casserole dish with non-stick spray

  2. Peel and cube the potatoes.  Cook in boiling water until soft.  Drain the water and mash the potatoes with milk and 2 tablespoons of butter.  Set aside

  3. In a large skillet, brown the beef over medium heat.  When the meat is almost cooked through, add the chopped onions until soft and translucent.  Then add the garlic for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant.  Also, add salt & pepper to taste.  Remove from the heat and let cool

  4. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir in the flour.  Whisk together until dark brown.  This could take about 8-10 minutes.   Let cool

  5. On medium heat, stir in the beef broth or stock, ketchup and browning & seasoning sauce.  Simmer until thick

  6. Add the sauce to the ground beef and mix

  7. Transfer meat to the casserole dish, top with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top

  8. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are browned.  Serve!

Recipe Notes

This dish is a classic Irish dish so keep in mind it’s best to add additional salt & pepper after it’s cooked.  My rule of thumb is that it’s easier to season after it’s cooked (you can take salt our of a dish)

And if you are looking for something else to prepare on St. Patrick’s Day, try this Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner or my Grandmother’s Irish Soda Bread!

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