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Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie with ground lamb stewed in delicious gravy, topped with buttermilk mashed potatoes! Whip up this comforting Classic Shepherd’s Pie for St. Patrick’s Day or any time the craving for meat and potatoes strikes!

How to Make Shepherd's Pie - a classic recipe to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day

Have you ever made Shepherd’s Pie?

If you’re new to it, you’re in the right place, as we’re taking a very classic approach to the traditional Irish favorite.

Stewed lamb meat in thick gravy with mashed potatoes on baked on top?

What could be better??

The only difference between my recipe and what one would classically see in an authentic Irish pub is I use gluten-free all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy in order to keep the easy Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free.

The recipe is so straightforward to make and you’ll absolutely love the flavorful result.

What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, and Cottage Pie is made with ground beef. For a low-carb version, you can make my Keto Cottage Pie!

I’m all about the Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage, but this easy gluten-free shepherd’s pie is just as equally my jam.

How to Make Shepherd's Pie - a classic recipe to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie:

We make this recipe in three easy steps:

1.) Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

2.) Make the ground lamb filling mixture

3.) Assemble the “pie” and bake!

We simply spread mashed potatoes over that amazing ground beef gravy filling in a casserole dish, then bake it in the oven until it’s nice and bubbly.

You can add fresh or frozen peas, green beans, corn, or beets (kidding, not kidding) to the ground lamb mixture if you’d like.

And don’t forget to bake a loaf or two of Irish Soda Bread!

How to Make Shepherd's Pie - a classic recipe to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day

Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd's Pie recipe with ground lamb and yukon gold potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into 1-1/2-inch rounds
  • ½ cup buttermilk*
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, to taste
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour**
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 cups beef broth

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook at a full boil for 15 to 20 minutes, until potatoes are very soft when poked. Strain water and allow potatoes to cool slightly.
  • Sauté the onions and carrots in oil over medium heat until softened but still al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Move the veggies off to one side of the skillet, and add the ground lamb, minced garlic, dried oregano and thyme and continue cooking just until lamb meat has browned, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring to a full boil.
  • Cook un-covered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is very thick. Taste the mixture for flavor and add sea salt if desired.
  • Mash the cooked potatoes with buttermilk and sea salt until it reaches your preferred consistency. If you'd like, add grated parmesan or asiago cheese to the mashed potatoes, and if need be, add more buttermilk.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Pour the lamb mixture into a 13" x 9" casserole dish (or a casserole dish that holds at least 1.5 quarts).
  • Spread the pureed potatoes on top of the lamb mixture. Place casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake on the center rack for 30 minutes, until shepherd's pie is bubbly and the potatoes are golden brown on top.
  • Remove shepherd's pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Note that the longer the pie sits, the thicker it will become.
  • Serve heaping portions of shepherd's pie with Irish Soda Bread.

Notes

*If you're dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk or chicken broth instead of buttermilk
**Use regular all-purpose flour if you aren't gluten-free

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 6 - Calories: 350kcal - Carbohydrates: 25g - Protein: 20g - Fat: 5g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 5g
Course: Lifestyle
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie, ground lamb, Irish recipes, Shepherd's Pie recipe, St. Patrick's Day recipes, yukon gold potatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Julia
Recipe Rating




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shannon

Friday 17th of March 2023

This was delicious. The recipe was easy to follow and everything turned out exactly as expected.

Julia

Sunday 19th of March 2023

I'm so happy to hear it, Shannon! Thanks so much for reporting back! xo

Francesca

Sunday 15th of March 2015

true story: it's 9 am, I just did all the steps and popped it in the fridge so mister can heat it for his dinner tonight. <3

Carol at Wild Goose Tea

Friday 27th of February 2015

IT's a classic for a good reason. It's a fabulous dish that never looses it's appeal---like mac and cheese---meat loaf----a good steak. It's wonderful that those dishes do not get lost in the barrage of recipes that are out there.

taylor @ greens & chocolate

Friday 27th of February 2015

Yeah, totally not waiting until St Patrick's day to make this! Especially since I can't celebrate this year with green beer - I'm eating all the green-dyed and Irish foods I can get my hands on!

Matt Robinson

Friday 27th of February 2015

No way I can wait until then to make this, it looks like the perfect dinner for a cold weekend night.

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