Best Traditional Shepherd S Pie

If you have ever had bland shepherd’s pie and thought you didn’t particularly care for the dish, prepare to have a total change of heart. Our recipe is easy to make and has the best flavor of any version I have ever tried thanks to using real ground lamb and a few flavor enhancers like just the right amount of herbs & spices to make the filling come to life! No other version on the internet can match the savory deliciousness of this shepherd’s pie recipe and it’s sure to be a new family favorite that will be a keeper for years to come! We LOVE Irish foods and I like to make them to celebrate my Irish heritage. Other favorites that we make are Irish Apple Cake and Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage.

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s pie got its name because of the lamb in the dish and the shepherds who cared for them. Lamb was a popular protein source in Ireland and even though this “pie” doesn’t have a traditional pastry crust, it’s a similar approach where a filling made with a rich, gravy, vegetables, and ground lamb is covered with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes as the top “crust”. The whole thing is then baked until hot and bubbling and the potato topping is golden brown.

We Love this Recipe for Shepherd’s Pie

We don’t usually eat shepherd’s pie on St. Patrick’s Day, but that’s only because it’s so easy and so good that we want to eat it year round! It’s delicious for Sunday dinner or comforting weeknight fare, especially when the weather is cold. Paul has said it’s one of his favorite things I make. We may have fought over who got the leftovers for lunch the next day. Our kids love it too. It’s one of those magical foods that they gobble up without a word of protest on their part or any need for coaxing or encouragement from us to get them to clean their plates. Granted, our kids are good eaters, but this kind of enthusiasm for dinner is next level for them. This really is the best shepherd’s pie recipe and it’s one I hope you will turn to again and again to feed your family.

Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Ingredients

Vegetables – Onion, carrots, garlic, frozen peas, and corn Olive Oil Salt & Pepper Ground Lamb Worcestershire Sauce Tomato Paste Herbs – Fresh rosemary and thyme Spices – Red pepper flakes and nutmeg Flour Beef Broth Potatoes Heavy cream & butter

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe substitutions

Protein: If you don’t have ground lamb, you can substitute ground beef, ground bison, or even ground turkey. Mashed Potatoes: If you are looking for a lower carb option, mashed cauliflower might be a good fit for this dish. Vegetables: Chopped green beans or a frozen vegetable mix with green beans or lima beans would be good in this dish also.

How to make Shepherd’s Pie

Making this Recipe for Shepherd’s Pie in Advance

For a make-ahead version, you can cook both the filling and the mashed potatoes 1-2 days ahead and assemble it, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Shepherd’s pie even freezes well and can be cooled, then covered tightly with foil and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the regular instructions, or it can even be baked straight from frozen by adding an extra 30 minutes to the bake time.

Tips for making The Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Let the filling cool before topping with the potatoes. This helps the mashed potato layer stay a little more distinct. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can absolutely substitute chicken broth and it will work just as well. Add either 3-4 tablespoons of horseradish to the mashed potatoes for an extra kick of flavor that, while not traditional, is still super delicious! Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese (either white cheddar or an orange sharp cheddar) on top before baking for another non-traditional but tasty variation on shepherd’s pie. If you don’t have an oven-safe cast-iron skillet, you can make the filling in a pan and then transfer it to a square baking dish. I just love using my cast-iron skillet because it means one less pan to wash, and I like the rustic presentation it gives to serve the shepherd’s pie this way on the table. Some people prefer to transfer their mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a piping tip and pipe the potatoes on for a decorative finish. I kind of prefer the rustic approach of spoon-made swirls instead. Place a baking sheet underneath the shepherd’s pie in the oven to catch any spillover while baking.

Variations of Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic British dish traditionally made with ground lamb or mutton, vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes. However, here are some creative twists you might want to try:

Cottage Pie: Similar to Shepherd’s Pie but made with ground beef instead of lamb. Vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils, beans, or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and peas for a hearty vegetarian version. Sweet Potato: Instead of regular mashed potatoes, use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and colorful twist. Cheesy: Add cheese to the mashed potato topping or layer it within the meat and vegetable mixture for a gooey, cheesy Shepherd’s Pie. This is one of our favorite variations. Spicy: Incorporate spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder to give your Shepherd’s Pie a bit of heat and a unique flavor. With Guinness: Add a splash of Guinness or another stout beer to the meat mixture for a rich and robust flavor. Indian-inspired: Use Indian spices like curry powder, cumin, and coriander in the filling, and top with mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.

What to serve with Traditional Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and satisfying dish and a complete meal in itself with the veggies, meat, and carbs, but there are plenty of side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Shepherd’s Pie:

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus for a flavorful and colorful side. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas are quick and easy side options that add a touch of freshness. Bread or Rolls: Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls to mop up the delicious gravy from the Shepherd’s Pie. Our Irish soda bread or molasses brown bread are a couple of our favorites. Mashed Peas: A simple side of mashed peas with mint can be a tasty and traditional accompaniment. Cranberry Sauce: If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, consider serving cranberry sauce on the side for a contrast in flavors.

If you make shepherd’s pie for St. Patrick’s Day this year, be sure to enjoy a traditional Irish dessert too! Like sticky toffee pudding or Irish apple cake with custard sauce!

Storing this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to cool to room temperature before storing it. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. If you want to freeze leftover shepherd’s pie, first let it cool completely. If you have a large amount of shepherd’s pie left over, consider dividing it into smaller, meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need. Wrap the entire dish or each portion tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer portions to airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Shepherd’s Pie

If frozen, thaw the Shepherd’s Pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil, then bake until heated through, approximately 30-40 minutes for a full dish, or 15-20 minutes for individual portions. If reheating individual portions, you can use the microwave instead. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

More like this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie

Baked Greek Feta Meatballs Middle Eastern Lamb Kofta Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma Greek Style Lamb Chops Garlic & Herb Roast Boneless Leg of Lamb Pan Seared Lamb Loin Chops Sriracha Mayo Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops

More Irish Recipes

Corned Beef and Cabbage (Irish Recipe) Irish Apple Cake Irish Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes & Cabbage) Best Recipe for Irish Soda Bread

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