Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – The Perfect Dinner Recipe To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

When it comes to making dinner to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, many people will choose to make Shepherd’s Pie because it is both easy and delicious. Cooked and seasoned ground meat mixed with tender vegetables topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.

It is a hearty and comforting meal that originated in Britain but is now often served in Ireland as well. Although, depending on what type of ground meat that you use the actual name of the recipe will change.

The British dish was originally made with minced or ground lamb or mutton. The use of the term “Shepherd” in the name reflects the traditional association with sheep farming and shepherding.

However in Ireland, the more common variation of this dish is known as “Cottage Pie”. The primary difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie is the type of meat in the recipe.

Shepherd’s Pie contains ground lamb or mutton, while Cottage Pie uses ground beef. Although the terms “Shepherd’s Pie” and “Cottage Pie” are commonly interchangeable, it can lead to some confusion when talking about a specific dish or recipe.

Regardless of its name, this meal has become a popular and beloved meal in both British and Irish households. The dish’s hearty and comforting nature makes it a favorite for many, especially during holiday celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day.

The Components of Shepherd’s Pie

So what exactly is Shepherd’s Pie? It is a casserole that consists of a flavorful meat and vegetable filling topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The dish is then put in the oven until the mashed potatoes develop a slightly crispy, golden crust.

Meat Filling: Whether you use ground lamb and ground beef the meat is browned and cooked with diced onions, carrots, peas, and sometimes other vegetables. The mixture is also seasoned with herbs and cooked in a rich and savory broth.

Mashed Potato Topping: Once the meat and vegetable filling is put in a casserole dish it is then topped with a generous layer of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes are usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter, creating a creamy and smooth texture. Some variations may include grated cheese or a beaten egg in or on top of the mashed potatoes for added richness.

Baking: The assembled casserole is then put in the oven to bake until the top layer of mashed potatoes forms a golden-brown crust. The baking process not only warms the potatoes but also allows the flavors of the filling to meld together.

Easy Shepherd’s (or Cottage) Pie Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 large carrots, finely diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 1⁄2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 lb. ground lamb or ground beef
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1⁄2 cup red wine
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 4 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef stock, low sodium, or Guinness beer
• 5-6 cups mashed potatoes, leftovers or freshly made
• 1 egg, beaten
• Fresh grated parmesan cheese, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

If you are using leftover mashed potatoes, begin preparing your Shepherd’s Pie filling. Otherwise, make your mashed potatoes using your preferred cooking method.

I prefer to make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes because they are done in minutes and I don’t have to worry about the pot boiling over and making a mess! However use your favorite cooking method.

Once you have the mashed potatoes ready, set them aside and and begin making the filling by sautéing the carrots.

Do this by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Then add the diced carrots to the pan and saute until slightly tender.

Then add onions and sauté for one minute. Next add the ground meat, pepper and thyme and cook until the meat is brown and no longer pink.

After the meat and veggies have been drained return the mixture to the pan. Next stir in the butter, peas and flour and mix until the flour is absorbed.

Then add tomato paste, wine, Worcestershire sauce and stock/beer.

Substitute for Wine and/or Beer In Shepherd’s Pie

Although the alcohol will burn off during the cooking process, I understand that some people prefer to cook without using wine or beer.

Instead, you can substitute beef stock for either or both ingredients. However, the taste will slightly be different but it will still taste delicious!

Simmer to reduce the liquid down until you have a thick meaty mixture. Taste the mixture and add additional seasonings as desired. Then remove the pan from the heat.

Now it is time to get your Shepherd’s Pie Filling into a baking dish. Using non-stick spray, grease a 8×11 baking dish or a 9 inch deep dish pie pan.

Then add the meat and vegetable mixture to the pan and spread out in an even layer.

Next, spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the filling in an even layer. *If you are using leftovers it is best to reheat the potatoes slightly to increase the ease of spreading.

Once the potatoes are spread over top of the filling in an even layer, brush the top with a beaten egg and sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese. Here you can choose to make the topping decorative by running the tines of a fork through the mashed potatoes to create lines and/or peaks.

Now place the Easy Shepherd’s Pie in the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are light brown on top. Then remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Other Popular St. Patrick’s Day Recipes:

• Corned Beef and Cabbage
• Irish Beef Stew
• Bangers and Mash
• Irish Colcannon
• Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
• Irish Beef Stew (Without Wine)
• Irish Brown Bread
• Irish Soda Bread
• Irish Coffee
• No Bake Grasshopper Pie

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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