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Shepherd's Pie with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes

A hearty, comforting dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, made with rich ground beef and ribeye simmered with herbs and topped with creamy smoked Gouda mashed potatoes baked until golden.
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Ingredients
  

Meat Filling
  • 1 stick ½ cup butter
  • ⅔ cup celery finely diced
  • ⅔ cup carrot finely diced
  • ⅔ cup onion finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
  • 2½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 –1½ pounds ribeye steak finely ground
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup port wine
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
  • 3 –4 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salted boiling water
  • 1 block smoked Gouda freshly shredded
  • 2 –3 cups heavy whipping cream

Method
 

Prepare the Meat Filling
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the celery, carrot, onion, and garlic.
  3. Cook for 3–5 minutes, just until vegetables begin to soften. Do not caramelize.
  4. Add the ground beef and ground ribeye.
  5. Cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, thyme, and port wine.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–30 minutes to develop flavor.
Make the Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and cook until fork tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  4. Begin mashing the potatoes while adding the shredded smoked Gouda and heavy cream in stages:
  5. Add a handful of cheese and about 1 cup cream, mash until smooth.
  6. Repeat until all cheese and cream are incorporated.
  7. Mash until the potatoes are smooth, fluffy, and creamy.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Transfer the meat mixture into a large pie dish or baking dish, spreading evenly.
  3. Spoon the smoked Gouda mashed potatoes over the top.
  4. Spread evenly and create a decorative border or texture with a spoon or piping bag if desired.
Bake
  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve
  1. Allow the pie to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy a rich, comforting dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings.