Easy Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie

I have been using this recipe for years. It is very simple and has been passed down on my Irish side. This year, I was able to make it using actual ground lamb. There is the debate that if it does not have lamb, then it cannot be called Shepard's Pie. It is actually called Cottage Pie.
As with the gravy vs sauce debate among Italian Americans, I could really care less. Make it however you like. I have used real potatoes and fresh peas & carrots. That is the best way to go, but when you are short on time this is perfectly fine. My wife used ground turkey and sweet potato once and it was delicious.
Make this recipe your own. For mine, I usual cheat and use frozen peas & carrots and instant mashed potatoes. You can use what you have.
Enjoy!

 

ingredients

 

1. 1-1 1/2 lbs ground meat of your choosing
2. 1 Small Onion, diced
3. 8 oz Frozen Peas and Carrots, thawed
4. 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
5. 24 oz Instant Mashed Potatoes

methods 

1. 

   Place the ground meat and onion into a pot over medium heat. Cook the two of them until they both have been browned. Usually about 10 minutes.
   
2. 

   Add the Peas & Carrots to the pot. Stir together, adding the pepper to the mix as well. Cook together for another 5 to 10 minutes.
   
3. 

   When the meat mixture is complete, place into a either a pie or cake pan, about 9 inches. Set to the side. Usually, you can use two pans.
   
4. 

   Prepare the mashed potatoes as directed on the box. When it is done, put the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture. Spread evenly across the top.
   
5. Turn the Broiler on in your oven. Put the two pans into the oven. Cook for 10 minutes. Check here to see if the topping is to your liking. Everything is basically cooked, so you are just browning the top of the mashed potatoes. I will usually add another 5 to 10 minutes
   
6. Enjoy!
   

 

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