If you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion, you can't go wrong with Corned Beef Shepherd's Pie. This classic dish takes all the flavors of traditional shepherd's pie and gives them a savory twist with tender chunks of corned beef.
Looking for more Irish themed recipes? Try my Chicken & Leek Pie, Colcannon or Corned Beef Tacos.
Or more Shepherd or Cottage Pie recipes? Try my Turkey Shepherd's Pie!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful: Corned Beef Shepherd's Pie is a perfect comfort food that combines the savory flavors of corned beef with mashed potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is easy to follow and doesn't require any complicated cooking techniques. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up a quick and delicious meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can add different vegetables or spices to the filling, or even substitute the corned beef with ground beef or lamb for a more traditional shepherd's pie.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
Mashed Potatoes
- Potatoes (for mashed potatoes): The mashed potatoes are the foundation of the dish, providing a creamy and flavorful layer on top of the filling. If you don't have potatoes, you could use sweet potatoes or even cauliflower instead.
- Milk (for mashed potatoes): The milk helps make the mashed potatoes creamy and smooth. If you don't have milk, you could use cream, half-and-half, or even chicken or vegetable broth.
- Butter (for mashed potatoes and filling): Butter adds richness and flavor to both the mashed potatoes and the filling. If you prefer, you could use margarine or a non-dairy alternative instead.
Filling
- Onion (for filling): Onion adds depth and sweetness to the filling. If you don't like onion, you could use shallots, leeks, or garlic instead.
- Worcestershire Sauce (for filling): Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the filling. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you could use soy sauce, fish sauce, or even steak sauce instead.
- Ketchup (for filling): Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to the filling. If you don't have ketchup, you could use tomato paste, tomato sauce, or even barbecue sauce instead.
- Chicken Broth (for filling): Chicken broth adds richness and depth of flavor to the filling. If you don't have chicken broth, you could use beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water instead.
- Dried Parsley (for filling): Dried parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the filling. If you don't have dried parsley, you could use dried thyme, rosemary, or basil instead.
- Dried Thyme (for filling): Dried thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor to the filling. If you don't have dried thyme, you could use dried oregano, marjoram, or sage instead.
- Cooked Corned Beef (for filling): Corned beef is the star of the filling, providing a tender, flavorful protein source. If you don't have corned beef, you could use cooked ground beef, lamb, or turkey instead.
- Salt (for mashed potatoes and filling): Salt enhances the flavor of the mashed potatoes and filling. If you're watching your sodium intake, you could use a salt substitute or reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe.
- Pepper (for mashed potatoes and filling): Pepper adds a little bit of heat and complexity to the mashed potatoes and filling. If you don't like pepper, you could omit it or use a milder pepper such as white or pink peppercorns.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Colander or strainer for draining potatoes
- Potato masher or fork for mashing potatoes
- Large skillet for cooking filling
- Spoon or spatula for stirring filling
- Baking dish for assembling and baking the pie
- Oven for baking the pie
- Measuring cups and spoons for measuring ingredients
- Cutting board and knife for chopping onion
- Whisk (optional) for mixing ingredients in the filling.
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
To make corned beef shepherd's pie, start by boiling peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with butter and milk, and mash them until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook diced onions until softened and starting to turn golden. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, dried parsley, and dried thyme to the skillet, and simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces by half. Add diced cooked corned beef and reduce the heat slightly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until there is only a bit of liquid left in the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 400°F and spoon the corned beef mixture into a small baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top in an even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes, then sprinkle dried bread crumbs on top of the cheese.
Bake the corned beef shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and bubbling and the top is golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening or as a way to use up leftover corned beef. The creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect complement to the savory corned beef filling, while the melted cheddar cheese adds a deliciously gooey texture. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and toppings. Just swap out the cheese and breadcrumbs for your preferred flavors, and you'll have a deliciously unique shepherd's pie that's sure to please.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the corned beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or vegetarian ground meat crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cottage Pie: Swap the corned beef for ground beef, lamb, or turkey.
- Guinness Shepherd's Pie: Add ½ cup of Guinness stout to the filling for a rich and hearty flavor.
- Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie: Replace the regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more colorful twist on the classic recipe.
- Colcannon Shepherd's Pie: Mix kale, cabbage, or other greens into the mashed potatoes for a traditional Irish colcannon twist.
- Shepherd's Pie with Gravy: Add a packet of gravy mix or make your own gravy to the filling for a saucier, more savory dish.
- Mexican-style: Use chili powder, cumin, and salsa in the filling and top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
- Indian-style: Add curry powder, garam masala, and diced tomatoes to the filling for a spicy twist on the classic dish.
- Seafood: Use cooked shrimp, scallops, or crab in place of the corned beef for a tasty seafood twist.
- Barbecue: Mix barbecue sauce into the filling and top with shredded smoked cheddar cheese and fried onions.
Wine Pairing
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine has notes of blackberry, cassis, and spice that complement the rich flavors of the corned beef and savory filling.
- Pinot Noir: This lighter-bodied red wine has notes of cherry, raspberry, and earth that pair well with the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the dish.
- Chardonnay: This full-bodied white wine has flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla that pair well with the creamy mashed potatoes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: This lighter-bodied white wine has flavors of citrus and green apple that complement the savory filling and bring a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- Malbec: This medium-bodied red wine has notes of plum, blackberry, and spice that pair well with the hearty flavors of the dish.
FAQ's
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate separately. When you're ready to bake the dish, let them come to room temperature before assembling and baking.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled and unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I use leftover corned beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day or other occasions.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes! You can use beef broth, vegetable broth, or any other broth you prefer.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch?
While instant mashed potatoes can be a time-saver, homemade mashed potatoes will give you a better texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
Yes! Feel free to use any type of cheese you like or have on hand, such as Swiss, Gouda, or Parmesan.
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Sure! This recipe can be made with ground beef, lamb, or turkey, or you can make it vegetarian with lentils or meatless crumbles.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make the filling in a slow cooker and top it with mashed potatoes before serving.
Tips
- Cook the corned beef until it's very tender. This will make it easier to dice and will also make the filling more flavorful.
- Don't overcook the onions. You want them to be soft and golden, but not browned or burned.
- Make sure the filling is well-seasoned. Taste it before spooning it into the baking dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Use a potato masher or ricer to make smooth mashed potatoes. This will give you a better texture than using a fork or whisk.
- Don't skimp on the toppings. The cheese and breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch and flavor to the dish.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and will also prevent anyone from burning their mouth on the hot filling.
- Serve the pie with a side of vegetables or a salad to round out the meal.
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more Irish themed recipes? Try my Chicken & Leek Pie, Colcannon (Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes,) or Corned Beef Tacos.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Corned Beef Shepherd's Pie
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Potatoes peeled and quartered
- ⅓ Cup Milk
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 Cup Onion diced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 ½ Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 2 ½ Cups Cooked Corned Beef diced
- Salt
- Pepper
- ½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese optional
- 3 tablespoon Dried Bread Crumbs optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Add potatoes to a large pot of cold water. Add salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are tender, 10-20 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat, drain the potatoes, then return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and milk to the pot. Mash potatoes until smooth. Add salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. Cover and set aside.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and starting to turn golden. Add the Worcestershire, ketchup, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces by half.
- Add the cooked corned beef to the skillet and reduce heat slightly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until there is only a bit of liquid left in the mixture. Taste the mixture and add additional salt and pepper, as needed.
- Spoon filling into a small baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over-top in an even layer.
- Top with shredded cheese, then sprinkle with bread crumbs.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until filling is heated through and bubbling and top is golden.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender before mashing them with milk and butter for the topping.
- Use cooked and diced corned beef for the filling, which can be made from leftovers or purchased pre-cooked.
- Be sure to cook the onions until they're softened and golden before adding the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme to the filling.
- Allow the filling to simmer until the liquid has reduced by half and the corned beef is heated through.
- Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Top the filling with the mashed potatoes, cheese, and breadcrumbs before baking in a preheated oven at 400°F.
- Bake the shepherd's pie until the filling is heated through and bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the shepherd's pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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