Shepherds Pie Recipe
Here is an appetizing introduction to the recipe, ranging from 350-500 characters, written before any headings. Shepherd’s pie is the epitome of comfort food, blending savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes into a warm, hearty dish. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe will leave you satisfied and craving more. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, shepherd’s pie is a classic that never goes out of style. Let’s dive into the making of this delightful dish!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground lamb or beef
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup peas
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while cooking time takes approximately 40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of shepherd’s pie (about 1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fiber. This is based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Add the ground meat and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Stir in the carrots, peas, and tomato paste.
6. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
8. Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk and butter.
9. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
10. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
11. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to lighten the dish, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb or beef. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Serving and Pairings
Shepherd’s pie pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve with crusty bread for added texture and warmth.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Shepherd’s pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
– Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow.
– Ensure the meat mixture is thick enough to support the potatoes.
– Avoid excessive seasoning until the final tasting.
– Let the dish cool slightly before serving to set the layers.
Helpful Tips
– For a crispy topping, broil for a few minutes after baking.
– Add cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
– Experiment with different vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
– Use leftover roast for a quicker preparation.
FAQs
Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare shepherd’s pie in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of mashed potatoes?
You can substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option or sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Is shepherd’s pie gluten-free?
Yes, shepherd’s pie can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and ensure that your tomato paste is also gluten-free.
Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
Absolutely! Shepherd’s pie freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer.
How long does shepherd’s pie last in the fridge?
Shepherd’s pie can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s pie is a classic dish that offers warmth and comfort, making it perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, it’s a meal that brings joy to the table.
Shepherds Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 lbs potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the carrots, peas, and tomato paste.
- Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk and butter.
- Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
