When we think of hearty comfort foods, few dishes warm the heart and soul quite like a traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie, depending on your choice of meat. Originating from the humble kitchens of England and Ireland, this beloved casserole is a savoury medley of seasoned minced meat and vegetables topped with velvety mashed potatoes and baked until golden. While traditionally made with lamb (Shepherd’s Pie), the beef variant, also known as Cottage Pie, is equally cherished. Both deliver deliciousness and warmth with every bite.

Combining the best of two highly-rated recipes, here’s a fail-proof guide to creating a rich, mouth-watering Irish Cottage Pie that will become a staple in your kitchen:

Fail-Proof Irish Cottage Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• Mashed Potatoes:
  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ⅔ cup half-and-half (or milk)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
     
• Filling:
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup beef broth
  • ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make Mashed Potatoes

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, half-and-half, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mash until smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, cooking until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic, rosemary, and thyme; cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes more.
2. Add ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and crumbled, about 8 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook until darkened slightly. Sprinkle flour over meat, stirring for a minute to cook off raw flour taste.
3. Pour in red wine and cook until nearly evaporated, then add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Stir in frozen peas and corn, mixing thoroughly. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble and Bake

Transfer beef mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. For extra crispness, broil for 2 minutes. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy hot.

A Fine Dining Twist at Lawry’s The Prime Rib Jakarta

But perhaps tonight, instead of donning an apron, you’d rather enjoy your Irish Cottage Pie in an elegant, luxurious setting. In that case, there’s no better choice than Lawry’s The Prime Rib Jakarta. Renowned as a premier fine dining Jakarta destination, Lawry’s sets the bar for exceptional culinary experiences with their sumptuous menu that features not only their legendary prime ribs but also comforting dishes like a perfectly-executed Irish Cottage Pie.

At Lawry’s, every dish, from their famous steaks to rich casseroles, is prepared to perfection and presented with care. Situated in a high-end setting marked by lavish interiors and impeccable service, Lawry’s offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The restaurant comfortably seats up to 200 guests, making it an ideal venue for private parties, corporate meetings, or special celebrations of any scale.

Explore Lawry’s menu online to discover an array of delectable choices crafted by expert chefs who combine tradition with innovation. Conveniently, you can effortlessly book your seat through their online reservation system, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.