Irish Shepherd’s Pie: A Comforting Classic with a St. Patrick’s Day Twist

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Nothing says cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food quite like a warm, hearty dish of Irish Shepherd’s Pie.

This classic dish is packed with savory ground lamb, tender veggies, and a rich, flavorful gravy, all topped with golden, buttery mashed potatoes. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just need an excuse to make something delicious, this recipe is 100% worth the effort.

And let’s clear something up—if you’re using beef, you’re technically making Cottage Pie (which is still delicious). But for an authentic Irish Shepherd’s Pie, we’re going all-in with lamb.

So grab a fork, pour yourself a pint (if you’re into that), and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Classic Irish Comfort – A traditional dish that’s been around for centuries, this recipe is rich, hearty, and full of flavor.

✔ One-Pan Wonder – The filling comes together in one skillet, making cleanup easy.

✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – It reheats beautifully, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.

✔ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful meat filling.

✔ Customizable – Add extra veggies, swap out the lamb for beef, or make it gluten-free with a few tweaks.

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Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground lamb (or ground beef)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup shredded Irish cheddar (optional but amazing)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth.
3. Stir in the shredded Irish cheddar for an extra layer of deliciousness. Cover and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in the carrots, peas, and corn, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, then slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

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Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Transfer the meat filling to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or leave it in an oven-safe skillet).
2. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create little peaks (this helps it get those crispy golden edges!).
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden brown.
4. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this part is hard, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

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Chef’s Tips

🔹 For Extra Flavor: Swap beef broth for Guinness beer for a richer, deeper flavor.

🔹 Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

🔹 For a Crispy Topping: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an irresistible golden crust.

🔹 Make It Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk in the potatoes.

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Why This Recipe is Great for GLP-1 Users

If you’re on GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, or Zepbound, this protein-packed, well-balanced meal is a great option. Here’s why:

✔ High in Protein – The ground lamb (or beef) provides muscle-sparing protein, which is crucial when losing weight.

✔ Balanced Macros – With protein, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from butter, this meal keeps you satisfied longer.

✔ Easy to Digest – If you have appetite suppression, you can enjoy smaller portions while still getting essential nutrients.

✔ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat well, making it a stress-free, pre-portioned option.

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Picture This…

A golden-brown layer of mashed potatoes, slightly crisp on the edges but creamy underneath, sitting on top of a rich, savory filling of seasoned lamb, sweet carrots, and peas. The smell of rosemary and garlic drifts through the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for that first bite. You dig in with your fork, breaking through the mashed potatoes into the hearty, flavorful base—pure comfort in every bite.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

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Final Thoughts

This Irish Shepherd’s Pie is everything you want in a comforting, hearty, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day, meal prep, or just a cozy night in, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Now, grab a plate, scoop up a big serving, and enjoy—preferably with a little Irish music in the background. ☘️

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