Shepherd’s Pie
Looking for a comforting and hearty meal to warm you up this winter? Look no further than this classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Packed with savory flavors and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
- Add frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 350
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
- Q: Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
- Q: Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
- Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
A: Yes, you can assemble the pie up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
A: Yes, shepherd’s pie freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
A: While homemade mashed potatoes are preferred, you can use instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
Helpful tips:
- Top the mashed potatoes with cheese for an added layer of flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine to the beef mixture for a richer taste.
- For a crispy topping, broil the shepherd’s pie for the last few minutes of baking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique twist on the dish.
Expert Secrets:
- For a smoother mashed potato topping, whip in some cream or milk.
- Cook the beef mixture low and slow for a more flavorful filling.
- Let the shepherd’s pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Try adding a dollop of sour cream on top before serving for a tangy touch.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.