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Best Colcannon Shepherd’s Pie

Savory Best Colcannon Shepherd’s Pie for Cozy Nights

The Best Colcannon Shepherd’s Pie merges classic comfort food with vibrant flavors for a satisfying meal experience.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for browning the ground lamb and sautéing vegetables
  • 1.5 lb Ground Lamb Provides rich flavor and moisture
  • 3.25 tsp Salt Enhances the overall flavors
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper Adds warmth to the dish
  • 1 Onion, finely diced Forms a fragrant base for the filling
  • 4 Carrots, cut into coins Infuses the filling with sweetness
  • 3 tbsp Tomato Paste Deepens the flavor of the gravy
  • 1 tbsp Flour Thickens the filling
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Boosts the umami flavor
  • 1.75 cups Chicken Broth Provides a flavorful base
  • 1 cup Peas Bright, sweet addition
  • 0.75 cup Parsley, chopped Fresh herb to lighten the filling
  • 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder Elevates the flavor profile
For the Colcannon Topping
  • 2.5 lb Potatoes, peeled and cut The starchy base for the creamy topping
  • 0.667 cup Milk Adds creaminess to the mash
  • 5 tbsp Butter, preferably unsalted Richness enhancer for the potatoes
  • 1 lb Cabbage, shredded The signature ingredient for colcannon
  • 0.125 tsp Nutmeg Infuses warmth into the mash

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

How to Make Best Colcannon Shepherd’s Pie
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for the pie.
  2. Chop the potatoes, carrots, onion, and cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground lamb with salt for 7-9 minutes; transfer it to a bowl once browned.
  4. Using the same skillet, add the diced onions and carrot coins, cooking until they soften (6-8 minutes).
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook briefly, then sprinkle in the flour, mixing for about a minute.
  6. Return the browned lamb to the skillet, then add the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thickened (1-2 minutes).
  7. Fold in the sweet peas and chopped parsley, then transfer the filling into a baking dish.
  8. Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12-15 minutes.
  9. In another skillet, sauté the shredded cabbage until tender and slightly browned, about 7-9 minutes.
  10. Drain the potatoes and mash them together with the cooked cabbage, milk, and butter until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  11. Evenly spread the colcannon topping over the filling in the baking dish.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Consider freezing in individual portions for quick meals on busy nights. Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking to make for clean slices.

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