Description
This pub-style Irish Shepherd’s Pie is packed with tender lamb, hearty vegetables, and fluffy white cheddar mashed potatoes. A classic comfort dish made with real, rustic Irish flavor.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Stew:
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 pounds boneless lamb leg or shoulder, cut in ½ – ¾ inch pieces
⅓ cup flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 ½ cups leeks, chopped (white and pale green parts only)
1 ½ cups diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¼ cup tomato paste
1 cup red wine or stout beer (or substitute broth)
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
6 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
For the Mashed Potatoes:
3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 thyme sprigs
2 rosemary sprigs
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature or melted
1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Toss lamb in flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in batches for 7 minutes.
3. Transfer lamb to a bowl. Set aside.
4. Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add leeks, carrots, and celery. Cook 7 minutes.
5. Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute.
6. Deglaze with wine or broth, scraping up brown bits.
7. Return lamb to pot. Add broth, Worcestershire, bay leaf, and tied herbs.
8. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Partially cover for 40 minutes.
9. Remove herbs and bay leaf. Stir in peas and corn. Let stew cool.
10. Boil potatoes with thyme, rosemary, garlic, and salt until fork tender.
11. Drain and mash with warm milk, butter, and cheddar. Season to taste.
12. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread lamb stew into dish or ramekins.
13. Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle with extra cheddar.
14. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
15. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the lamb mixture cool slightly before adding mashed potatoes so they don’t sink.
Make mashed potatoes fresh for best spreading consistency.
Place ramekins or casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling over.
Freeze assembled pie before baking for best texture later.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish, English