This classic casserole involves beef, vegetables, and savory gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The cooked meat and vegetable layers make a hearty and filling dish perfect for a winter meal.
Origin Of Shepherd’s Pie
The dish is said to have originated in England and was initially made with lamb or mutton. The dish’s name comes from traditional; it was with meat left over from a shepherd’s dinner. Over time, the dish has evolved, and now most recipes call for ground beef instead of lamb.
The American Version
While the dish is still prevalent in England, it has also gained popularity in the United States. The American version of shepherd’s pie generally contains ground beef, carrots, peas, and onions in a gravy-like sauce. The mixture is then topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
There are many variations of shepherd’s pie, and you can get creative with the toppings. Some recipes call for cheese, while others use a mixture of different vegetables. You can even top the pie with bacon or crispy onions for an extra bit of flavor.
No matter how you make it, shepherd’s pie is a delicious and comforting dish that will please everyone at the table.
Baked To Perfection
The secret to a perfect shepherd’s pie is in baking. You want to make sure that the filling is nice and hot before adding the mashed potatoes. This will help the potatoes brown evenly and prevent sinking into the filling.
Thaw them thoroughly before adding them to the filling if using frozen vegetables. Don’t add too much liquid to the pie, or it will be watery and runny.
When it comes to mashed potatoes, you can use any variety. Yukon gold potatoes are a great choice, but you can also use Russet or sweet potatoes. Add some butter and milk to the potatoes for a smooth and creamy consistency.
Once you’ve assembled the pie, bake it in a preheated oven until the filling is hot and bubbly and the potatoes are golden brown. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but you may need to bake it longer if your pie is extra large.
Cool off the pie for a few minutes before serving, as you don’t want to burn yourself on the hot filling. Shepherd’s pie is best when served warm.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 cup frozen peas
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- 5 potatoes peeled and diced
- 0.5 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add ground beef and onions, and cook them until the beef is browned.
- Add carrots, celery, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, peas, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes, reducing the heat.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, boil potatoes until they are soft. Drain the potatoes and add milk and butter. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth.
- Spoon it into a baking dish when the beef mixture is finished cooking.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
- Top with mashed potatoes. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delicious, served with a green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. You could also add some shredded cheese to the top of the pie for an extra bit of flavor.Storing Suggestions
Store any leftover pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.Nutrition
FAQs Related To Shepherd’s Pie
Can I Make Shepherd’s Pie Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make shepherd’s pie ahead of time. Just assemble the pie, bake it as directed, and store it in the fridge for 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the pie in the oven.
Can I Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, you can freeze shepherd’s pie. Just assemble the pie and bake it as directed. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. Once it’s cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What Is The Difference Between The Cottage Pie And The Shepherd’s Pie?
The difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie is that shepherd’s pie is ideally prepared with either lamb or mutton, while cottage pie is prepared with beef. Both pies are traditionally made with leftovers, and both are topped with mashed potatoes.
Wrap Up
Look no further than shepherd’s pie if you’re looking for a delicious, comforting winter meal. The blend of flavors in this dish will be a hit. Why not give it a try? This recipe is relatively easy and takes less of your time.