Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish originating from the United Kingdom.
Traditionally made with ground lamb (or beef in variations known as Cottage Pie), it’s layered with savory vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
The dish is baked until golden and bubbly, resulting in a hearty, flavorful meal.
Known for its simplicity and ability to use leftover meat, Shepherd’s Pie is a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations:
Meat Variations:
Cottage Pie: Use ground beef instead of lamb for a different flavor profile.
Chicken or Turkey: Substitute with ground or shredded chicken/turkey for a lighter version.
Vegetarian: Use lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh to create a veggie-friendly version.
Vegetable Add-ins:
Corn, Green Beans, or Zucchini: Add extra vegetables for more texture and nutrients.
Sweet Potatoes: Top with mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a naturally sweet twist.
Cheesy Topping:
Cheddar or Parmesan: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for a crispy, golden crust.
Herbs and Spices:
Add Rosemary or Thyme: Infuse the filling with fresh herbs to deepen the flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of chili powder or paprika for a little heat.
Tips:
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This dish is perfect for repurposing leftover mashed potatoes from other meals.
Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain excess liquid from the meat and vegetable mixture before layering the mashed potatoes to avoid a soggy pie.
For Crispier Potatoes: Brush the mashed potatoes with a little butter or oil before baking to achieve a golden, crispy topping.
Make Ahead: Prepare the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 2 days.
When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Use a Broiler for Browning: If the top isn’t browning as much as you’d like, finish the pie under the broiler for a minute or two to get that golden, crispy finish.
These variations and tips help you personalize your Shepherd’s Pie while ensuring it comes out flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.
The nutritional information for Shepherd’s Pie can vary based on the ingredients used (lamb, beef, or a vegetarian version) and portion sizes.
Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (about 1/6th of a standard recipe), assuming it’s made with ground lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 400-500 kcal
Total Fat: 20-30g
Saturated Fat: 10-15g
Cholesterol: 70-90mg
Sodium: 500-800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Dietary Fiber: 3-5g
Sugars: 3-6g
Protein: 20-25g
Nutritional Factors:
Meat Choice:
Ground lamb is higher in fat and calories than ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Using leaner meat can reduce the fat content.
Potato Topping:
Mashed potatoes add carbohydrates and some fat (depending on how much butter or cream is used). Using low-fat milk or skipping butter can reduce calories.
Vegetables:
The addition of vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions boosts the fiber content and provides vitamins and minerals.
Cheese (Optional):
Adding cheese to the topping will increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content.
Healthier Modifications:
Use leaner meats such as ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat.
Replace regular mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes for fewer carbs and more nutrients.
Reduce butter and cream in the mashed potatoes, or opt for low-fat versions.
Increase the vegetables to boost fiber and nutrients while keeping calories in check.
This is an estimate, and actual values will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.