Take a bite of nostalgia with classic Shepherd pie. The dish is a prime example of comfort food. It combines hearty ground beef, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. It is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering. With each forkful, you will want to savor every delicious moment. So, get your taste buds ready. One bite will transport you to a simpler, cozier time.
What is Shepherd Pie?
Shepherd pie is a classic. This heartwarming dish is a perfect comfort food that will keep you warm on chilly evenings. The meal is British, and it is no surprise that it has remained a staple for generations.
The dish has a ground meat base topped with mashed potatoes, then baked to perfection. There are many variations to the basic recipe that suit different tastes. These versions make the dish more exciting and exotic.
The best Shepherd pie is homemade. You can control the quality and quantity of the ingredients used. Using well-seasoned meat, a balance of herbs and spices brings out its robust flavor. The potatoes should be light and fluffy, seasoned with salt and butter.
One can play around with the recipe by adding mushrooms, carrots, peas, or bacon. You could also substitute the beef for lamb. For those who prefer a lower-fat option, use turkey or chicken.
The appeal of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the preparation is not complicated. It is a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. The bottom line is that Shepherd pie is tasty.
For something simple and delicious, this is a perfect choice. A word to the wise: It is best to make more than you need, as it will go fast!
The Best Shepherd Pie I Ate at an English Pub
I vacationed in England one spring. While boating on the Union Canal, I craved a warm, hearty meal.
I went to an English pub. Shepherd pie was on the menu. Although I had it before, I figured the rustic restaurant would make a good version. At first glance, it looked like a simple dish. But when I took my first bite, I knew it was special.
It came topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Underneath, the lamb was finely diced and combined with peas, carrots, and corn. They were all cooked nicely, with plenty of thyme and rosemary.
Maybe it was the location. It could have been the meal. Whatever it was, that experience was one I will not forget.
Have it Again
You can not judge something until you have tried it yourself! Shepherd pie consists of ground beef, carrots, corn, peas, and mashed potatoes. The ingredients combine to create an extremely hearty and comforting meal. It is a dish everyone should try at least once.
The Ingredients for Easy Shepherd Pie
Potato Topping:
- 1-1/2 lb. potatoes
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Filling:
- 2 tbsp. oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1-diced carrot
- 2-cloves minced garlic
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. Rosemary
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Instructions for Easy Shepherd Pie
Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch dice.
- Add them to a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in a mixing bowl.
- Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes and stir to incorporate the ingredients.
Prepare the Filling:
- Add the oil to a pan and set over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and carrots, and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the garlic.
- Add the ground beef.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the rosemary and thyme.
- Cook until the meat browns.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour on the mixture and stir to coat.
- Continue cooking for another minute.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the frozen corn and peas to the mixture.
Assemble the Shepherd Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Spread the beef mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the potatoes begin to brown.
- Remove and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Shepherd Pie
Here are eight tips to make a delicious Shepherd pie.
Mashed Potatoes:
Pre-made or instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver. They are in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
Pre-made Pie Crusts:
These crusts are a great way to save time and energy. All you have to do is place it on top.
80-20 Ground Beef:
Use ground beef that is 80% lean or less. Leaner meat will result in a dryer and less flavorful dish.
Caramelized Onions:
Caramelized onions add texture, sweetness, and richness to the meat filling. They are essential ingredients in any good Shepherd pie recipe. Be patient. It takes time for them to get the golden brown you want for this meal. Find the instructions for caramelized onions in Easy French Onion Soup.
Worcestershire Sauce:
Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor. It will also help keep the ground beef moist during the cooking process.
Canned Vegetables:
Use canned vegetables for the filling. Canned vegetables are an easy way to add flavor and texture to your Shepherd pie. Just drain the liquid from the can before adding it to the filling.
Cheese:
Use cheese to top off your Shepherd pie. Adding cheese to the top is the perfect way to give it a cheesy and delicious flavor. You can use any cheese, but cheddar is always a favorite.
Butter:
Add butter to the potatoes. It adds a rich flavor and moisture to the potatoes. It will also help them crisp up nicely while baking.
Follow these five tips and make the easiest Shepherd pie today.
Variations of Shepherd Pie
There are many variations of Shepherd pie. Some include ground beef, lamb, chicken, sausage, or bacon in the filling. Below are some other ideas to get creative.
Shepherd Pot Pie:
It is classic with a twist! Start by making a simple pie crust. Roll it out on a floured surface. Place the crust on a greased pie plate and add a layer of your favorite Shepherd pie ingredients. Top with another sheet of pie crust and bake until golden brown.
Shepherd Frittata:
Start by sautéing frozen vegetables in a large skillet. Add some cooked ground beef or turkey and stir in some eggs. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown.
Get creative and try some of these options.
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