Shepherd’s Pie – Beef or Lamb!

Hearty shepherd’s pie with lamb, carrots, and peas is topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese. Reliable to celebrate St. George’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day!

At a glance

What stands out: Shepherd’s pie is an exceptionally good casserole and hearty.

How long it takes: about one and a half hours
Equipment you’ll need: large saucepan, skillet, baking dish (9 x 13 inches)
Servings: 10

Shepherd’s pie is the reliable way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or St. George’s Day (April 23rd), and we're sharing a great recipe here for that. It makes a big panful (serves 10), so feel free to invite guests to celebrate with you.

About this Shepherd’s Pie recipe

• Straightforward to mix: While this recipe takes a little time to prepare, it’s not difficult. The first time we made shepherd’s pie, we used ground beef, instant potatoes and beef gravy out of a jar. This one is definitely a step up from that version. Needless to say, this recipe is much better.
• Versatile: In our opinion, the lamb is what makes this flavorful and a cut above the ordinary, and it’s traditional. Beef would be fine, but if you’re going to make shepherd’s pie, why not go for the lamb? If you love lamb, try our braised lamb shanks. They are wonderful!
• Hearty: This is a stick-to-your-insides kind of meal, hearty and satisfying. Serve it with Irish soda bread (or beer bread!) and a crisp green arugula salad.

What you’ll need

• Ground Lamb: Lamb is a high quality protein, and is a good source of many vitamins and minerals (Healthline). If desired, substitute lean ground beef.
• Round White or Yukon Gold Potatoes: Russets or red potatoes would be fine, too. Use your favorite “mashing” potato. You’ll be adding milk and butter to mash them.
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and peas are the traditional vegetables used in shepherd’s pie.
• Thyme: Use fresh or dried. If you choose dried, use half as much.
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Dry Red Wine and Beef Stock, to make a rich gravy, with flour added to thicken the gravy.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese for a beautiful golden topping on the casserole.

How it comes together

First, boil the potatoes until they’re tender. When they’re cooked, mash them with butter and milk.

Meanwhile, brown the ground lamb (or beef) in a large skillet. Add the onions and carrots to soften them a bit.

When the meat is browned and the veggies are soft, stir in the flour. It will coat the meat and veggies and act as a thickener for the gravy. Pour in the wine, broth, and thyme, stirring and simmering until the gravy has thickened. Add the peas.

You’re ready to assemble the casserole. Pour the meat mixture into a large casserole dish, spread the mashed potatoes over the whole thing, and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Pop it into the oven and bake it twenty to twenty-five minutes.

Before you start

Make it your own

• Switch up the veggies: While peas, carrots, and onions are traditional, different vegetables can be substituted. Try corn, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded cabbage, or turnips.
• More herby flavor: Add more herbs. Fresh parsley, rosemary, or sage are good choices.
• Use different potatoes: Instead of mashed white potatoes, make your topping with mashed sweet potatoes.
• Switch up the cheese: Try different types of cheese to sprinkle on top, or leave the cheese off.

Make-Ahead Ideas

Brown the ground lamb and veggies up to a day ahead; refrigerate. Make the mashed potatoes a day ahead, too, or use leftover mashed potatoes. Assemble casserole and bake when desired.

Keeping leftovers

Refrigerate/Freeze: Leftover shepherd’s pie can be stored in the fridge, covered tightly, for three to five days. To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in foil, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheat: Microwave individual portions on high for a minute or until heated through. Larger amounts can be reheated in a shallow casserole dish at 350°F for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Free Meal Plan

Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #60. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. We add a new meal plan weekly.

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Hearty Casserole Recipes

• Yield: 10 servings
• Prep: 30 minutes
• Cook: 55 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ground lamb (or lean ground beef)
• 3 pounds round white or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 to 5 large carrots, chopped
• 10 ounces frozen peas
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 3 cups reduced sodium beef stock (plus more if needed)
• ½ cup milk (more if needed)
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened, optional
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (see note)

Method

1. Cover potatoes with water in large pan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, and reduce heat. Cook until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and set aside (see note).
2. Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. Brown the meat in two batches over medium high heat. Drain excess fat from the browned meat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. Add carrots and allow to soften slightly as well.
4. Add pepper, flour, thyme and stir together for about a minute until the flour coats everything.
5. Add the peas, wine, and broth. Bring to boil, reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and the gravy is thickened. Add more broth as needed to achieve a consistency that you are happy with.
6. Mash the potatoes with milk and a little butter (if desired).
7. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture in a large baking dish (9 x 13 inches) and carefully spread the potatoes over the top. Place pan on a foil lined baking sheet to catch spills.
8. Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake until bubbly and heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes

Mashed potatoes can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated. Leftover mashed potatoes can be used if you have them.

Substitute lean ground beef for the lamb if desired.

To make a lower calorie shepherd’s pie, omit cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the mashed potato topping with paprika or use a fork to “decorate” the top with tine marks.