Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Al here, back with another tantalizing recipe to share. Today, I’m diving into a true comfort food classic—Hearty Irish Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes. 🍀 With four kids bustling around, it’s crucial for me to whip up dishes that are both satisfying and family-friendly. This charming Shepherd’s Pie never fails to hit the mark!
Now, if you’re anything like me, you appreciate a dish that warms both your heart and your belly. Shepherd’s Pie, traditionally made with ground lamb, is a staple in many Irish households. It’s one of those recipes that makes you think of cozy countryside cottages and the warmth of a roaring fire.
Let’s start with the fantastic filling. I always use ground lamb for that authentic Irish taste, but if you prefer beef, feel free to make the swap. The combination of lamb with finely chopped onions, sweet diced carrots, and vibrant green peas creates a flavor symphony that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Adding a spoonful of tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce not only enhances the depth but gives it that lovely rich sauce.
And let’s not forget the herbs! A sprinkle of fresh parsley and thyme makes all the difference, transforming this humble pie into something extraordinary. There’s a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen and beckons everyone to peek over your shoulder, impatiently waiting for dinner.
Now, onto the pièce de résistance—the creamy mashed potatoes. Seriously, who can resist a layer of fluffy goodness? Perfectly boiled potatoes are mashed with butter, milk, a dollop of sour cream, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The result is velvety mashed potatoes you’ll want to devour by the spoonful. Pro tip: use a fork to make fun patterns on top; it crisps up wonderfully in the oven, which is a kid-approved detail in my house!
This dish comes together fairly quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Bake it for a final 20-25 minutes, just enough time to tidy up and gather the family around the table. When that golden crust forms and the filling starts to bubble up around the edges, you know you’re about to enjoy something truly special.
When I bring this to the table, I love seeing the joy on my family’s faces. It’s a dish that stands the test of time, connecting the past with the present, one delicious bite at a time.
So, grab your apron and let’s bring a little bit of Irish charm into your kitchen. Trust me, your family will thank you!
Until next time, happy cooking!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
**For the mashed potatoes:**
– 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
– 4 tbsp butter
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
3. Add the milk, butter, salt, pepper, and sour cream to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
7. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, fresh parsley, and fresh thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Transfer the lamb mixture to a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the lamb mixture, spreading it out evenly. Use a fork to create a pattern on the surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
11. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
