The first time I was introduced to shepherd’s pie was in Disney World at the Raglan Road Iris Pub. My husband ordered it, and when it arrived it was a HUGE portion and full of rich ground lamb. (not sure if he knew that or not, but he loved it.) He’s amazed that I remember such details…of where we ate and what we ordered. I guess it’s something about good food, and good company that leaves a lasting impression. The true Irish shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, whereas cottage pie, though similar, normally features beef. Since I’m usually in a hurry, I opt for this speedy, but absolutely tasty family classic ground beef version.
- 3 pounds potatoes, such as russet, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 3/4 pounds extra lean ground beef, (or lamb, if desired)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 12 oz.bag frozen peas and carrots, cooked according to package directions
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain potatoes and pour them back into the same pot. Combine greek yogurt, chicken broth, 1 tablespoon butter and skim milk. Mash potatoes and add the cream mixture and continue mashing until almost smooth.
- While potatoes boil, preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to hot pan with beef. Season meat with salt and pepper. Brown and crumble meat for 3 or 4 minutes. If you are using lamb and the pan is fatty, spoon away some of the drippings. Add the garlic to the meat. In a small skillet, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and over medium heat, cook the onion and celery. Once they are tender, add the onion and celery to the meat. In the same small skillet that you cooked the veggies, cook the butter and flour together 2 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Thicken gravy 1 minute. Add gravy to meat and vegetables. Stir in peas and carrots.
- Preheat broiler to high. Fill a rectangular casserole with meat and vegetable mixture. Spoon potatoes over meat evenly. Top potatoes with paprika and cheddar cheese and broil 6 to 8 inches from the heat until potatoes are evenly browned and cheese is melted.