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Shepherd’s Pie

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
25 minutes
Prep
50 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 250 ml (1 cup) beef or lamb stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 kg (2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) butter
  • 100 ml (1/3 cup) milk

Method

  1. Brown the ground lamb in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Add onion and carrot and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, stock and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
  4. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until tender, about 15–18 minutes; drain well.
  5. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth, and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish, top evenly with mashed potato, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden on top.

Introduction: A comforting layered dish of minced lamb in gravy topped with buttery mashed potato, Shepherd's Pie takes its name from the shepherds who traditionally raised the lamb, and remains a beloved family dinner across Ireland.

Cultural Background: A comforting layered dish of minced lamb in gravy topped with buttery mashed potato, Shepherd's Pie takes its name from the shepherds who traditionally raised the lamb, and remains a beloved family dinner across Ireland.

Tips: Rough up the surface of the mashed potato with a fork before baking to create extra crispy peaks.

Variations: A version made with ground beef is technically called Cottage Pie, though the two names are often used interchangeably in Ireland. Not authentically vegetarian; a vegetarian version can use lentils or a plant-based mince in place of lamb.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 20–25 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 480 kcal, 24g fat, 42g carbohydrate, 26g protein.

FAQs:

Q: What's the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie?

A: Traditionally Shepherd's Pie uses lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef.

Q: Can this be assembled ahead?

A: Yes, assemble fully and refrigerate, then bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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