Shepherd's pie, a classic British dish, is a hearty, satisfying meal full of delicious flavors. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes makes it a complete meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
Photos of Meaty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
The ingredients needed for this recipe are mostly common household items. However, Yukon Gold potatoes may not be in every pantry. They are favored for their buttery, rich flavor and golden color, which makes the mashed potatoes extra delicious. If you can't find Yukon Golds, you can replace them with any other variety of potatoes. Additionally, Worcestershire sauce, a tangy, savory sauce, might not be a staple in every home but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the meat filling. It's easily available in the condiments aisle of most supermarkets.
Hearty Shepherd's Pie Ingredients
Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes have a buttery flavor and texture that makes the best mashed potatoes.
Ground beef: It's the main protein in this dish, providing a hearty texture and flavor.
Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that provide the base flavor for most savory dishes.
Mushrooms: They add a savory, meaty flavor to the dish.
Mixed vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish. Any combination of peas, carrots, and corn works well.
Chicken and beef broth: They enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes and the meat filling respectively.
Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce: They provide depth of flavor to the meat filling.
Rosemary and thyme leaves: Herbs that add a fragrant, earthy flavor to the dish.
Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Sour cream: It gives the mashed potatoes a creamy, tangy flavor.
One reader, Freemon Stoll says:
This hearty shepherd's pie recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the combination of creamy mashed potatoes and savory meat filling is simply divine. It's a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, and the leftovers are just as delicious. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Shepherd's Pie
How to boil potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a medium pot of salted water until they are cooked and soft.
How to mash potatoes: Drain the boiled potatoes and mash them with chicken broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
How to brown ground beef: In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
How to sauté vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, mushrooms, and celery on medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
How to make a roux: Add the flour to the sautéed vegetables and mix well to create a roux.
How to assemble shepherd's pie: Spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture on the bottom of a casserole dish, top with the mashed potatoes, and sprinkle with paprika before baking.
How to bake shepherd's pie: Bake the assembled shepherd's pie in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, then place it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the potatoes turn golden.
How to let shepherd's pie cool: After removing the shepherd's pie from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How To Make Meaty Shepherd’s Pie
Yukon mashed potatoes on top of some lean ground beef and nutritious veggies make up a tasty shepherd’s pie. Don’t miss out on this meaty make-ahead meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Potatoes:
- 1½lbsYukon Gold potatoes,peeled, diced
- ¾cupchicken broth,fat free
- 2tbspsour cream,reduced fat
- salt and pepper
- paprika
For Filling:
- 1lbground beef,95% lean
- 1tspoil
- 1medium onion,diced
- 1stalkcelery,chopped
- 2clovesgarlic,diced
- 8ozmushrooms,diced
- 10ozmixed vegetables,frozen, carrots, corn, peas, green beans, baby lima beans
- 2tbspflour,or use GF flour
- 1cupbeef broth,fat free
- 2tsptomato paste
- 1tspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tsprosemary leaves,freshly chopped
- 1tspthyme leaves,freshly chopped
- kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
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Boil potatoes in a medium pot of salted water until cooked and soft.
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Drain and mash with chicken broth, sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, set aside.
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
-
In a large sauté pan brown meat over medium high heat, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
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Season with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste.
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When cooked, set aside on a plate.
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Add the oil, onion, garlic, mushrooms and celery and sauté on medium heat about 6 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the flour, frozen vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, cooked meat and mix well.
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Simmer on low about 8-10 minutes.
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Spread the meat on the bottom of casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle with paprika
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Bake 20 to 25 minutes, then place under the broiler 1 to 2 minutes until the potatoes turn golden.
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Remove from oven and let it cool 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 368.78kcal
- Fat: 17.56g
- Saturated Fat: 6.48g
- Trans Fat: 0.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.92g
- Carbohydrates: 33.35g
- Fiber: 5.49g
- Sugar: 4.79g
- Protein: 20.20g
- Cholesterol: 56.66mg
- Sodium: 889.98mg
- Calcium: 71.75mg
- Potassium: 1159.39mg
- Iron: 3.68mg
- Vitamin A: 289.83µg
- Vitamin C: 28.23mg
Key Technique for Perfecting Shepherd's Pie
When mashing your potatoes, try using a ricer or food mill for a smoother, creamier texture. This will help the potatoes absorb the chicken broth and sour cream better, resulting in a richer flavor. Additionally, when browning your ground beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the meat to brown evenly, enhancing its flavor. Lastly, when layering your shepherd's pie, be sure to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. This ensures every bite is balanced with the right amount of each component.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shepherd's Pie
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a single pot for cooking the filling and boiling the potatoes to minimize cleanup.
Multitask: While the potatoes are boiling, work on preparing the filling to save time.
Leftovers makeover: Utilize leftover mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables to speed up the assembly process.
Kitchen tools: Use a food processor to quickly chop vegetables and a potato masher for efficient potato mashing.
Oven efficiency: While the shepherd's pie is baking, use the time to tidy up the kitchen or prepare a side salad.
Substitute Ingredients For Meaty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar texture and starch content, making them a suitable substitute for Yukon gold potatoes in this recipe.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly without compromising the flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the mashed potatoes.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef, offering a lighter option while still providing the protein and savory flavor needed for the filling.
mushrooms - Substitute with lentils: Cooked lentils can be used as a vegetarian substitute for mushrooms, adding a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the filling.
mixed vegetables - Substitute with frozen peas and carrots: Frozen peas and carrots can be used as a convenient substitute for mixed vegetables, adding color and nutrition to the filling.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can replace beef broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly while still providing a rich and savory base for the filling.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce to add umami flavor and depth to the filling.
rosemary leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary to provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
thyme leaves - Substitute with oregano: Oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Delicious Shepherd's Pie
Elevate the mashed potatoes: Create a smooth and creamy texture for the mashed potatoes, using a piping bag to create elegant swirls on the shepherd's pie.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and thyme over the shepherd's pie to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums, to add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal to the dish.
Use a ring mold for plating: Create a refined presentation by using a ring mold to shape the shepherd's pie into a perfect round, then carefully lifting the mold to reveal the neatly layered components.
Drizzle with truffle oil: Add a touch of luxury by drizzling a small amount of aromatic truffle oil over the shepherd's pie just before serving, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor profile.
Serve with a side of microgreens: Accompany the shepherd's pie with a small bundle of vibrant microgreens for a fresh and visually appealing contrast to the hearty main dish.
Create a balsamic reduction design: Use a balsamic reduction to artistically drizzle a decorative pattern on the plate, adding a touch of sweetness and a visually stunning element to the presentation.
Add a parmesan crisp: Accompany the shepherd's pie with a delicate parmesan crisp, adding a textural contrast and a savory, umami-rich element to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the shepherd's pie in a sophisticated and elegant serving dish, such as a classic porcelain platter or a sleek copper pan, to elevate the overall dining experience.
Finish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika: Dust the top of the shepherd's pie with a light sprinkle of smoked paprika to impart a subtle smoky flavor and create a visually striking finishing touch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shepherd's Pie
Potato masher: A tool used to mash cooked potatoes into a smooth and creamy consistency.
Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with low sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying ingredients.
Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil with a long handle and a rounded head, typically used for stirring, mixing, and serving food.
Casserole dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving savory or sweet dishes such as casseroles, lasagnas, and desserts.
Medium pot: A cooking vessel with a capacity suitable for boiling or simmering ingredients, typically used for preparing soups, sauces, and boiling vegetables.
Storing and Freezing Shepherd's Pie
- Allow the shepherd's pie to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the shepherd's pie:
- Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the dish with the date and contents.
- Place the wrapped dish in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from the refrigerator:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the dish in the oven.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the mashed potatoes are golden brown on top.
- To reheat from frozen:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the freezer and take off the outer layer of foil. Keep the plastic wrap on to prevent the dish from drying out.
- Place the frozen dish in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the plastic wrap for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the frozen shepherd's pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will reduce the reheating time in the oven.
How To Reheat Leftover Shepherd's Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shepherd's pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the top from burning. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the shepherd's pie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to prevent the dish from drying out. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the filling halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the shepherd's pie under the broiler. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you have a lot of leftover shepherd's pie, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Place the leftovers in the slow cooker and add a splash of beef broth or water to help keep it moist. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat individual portions of shepherd's pie in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a portion of the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of beef broth or water. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the lid for the last minute of cooking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
Random Fact about Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie is a traditional British dish that was originally created as a way to use up leftover meat. It is a hearty and comforting meal that has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe being passed down through generations.
Is Making Shepherd's Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this hearty shepherd's pie recipe is quite high, as it utilizes affordable and readily available ingredients such as ground beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and basic pantry staples. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The dish offers a satisfying and comforting meal that can easily feed a family, earning it a solid 8 out of 10.
Is Shepherd's Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hearty shepherd's pie recipe is a comforting and filling dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients and preparation methods. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- The recipe includes a significant amount of red meat (ground beef), which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Consuming excessive amounts of red meat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
- The recipe calls for sour cream and chicken broth in the mashed potatoes, which adds extra fat and sodium to the dish.
- The use of flour as a thickener in the filling may increase the carbohydrate content of the dish, especially if refined flour is used.
- The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as onions, celery, garlic, mushrooms, and mixed vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this shepherd's pie recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half or all of the ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu. This will reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol content while maintaining a hearty texture and flavor.
- Use low-fat or non-fat sour cream and low-sodium chicken broth in the mashed potatoes to reduce the overall fat and sodium content of the dish.
- Opt for whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense thickener for the filling.
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the filling to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the dish. Consider adding carrots, peas, or leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dish while reducing the need for added salt. Experiment with different combinations of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful and aromatic shepherd's pie.
Editor's Thoughts on This Hearty Shepherd's Pie Recipe
This hearty shepherd's pie recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of flavorful ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a delicious and hearty meal. The use of herbs and spices adds depth of flavor, while the cooking process ensures that the dish is well-balanced and rich. Overall, this recipe is a classic and timeless choice for a comforting family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Enhance Your Meaty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Shepherd's Pie
Why trust this Meaty Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:
This hearty shepherd's pie recipe is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cozy family dinner. The yukon gold potatoes are creamy and flavorful, while the savory filling, made with ground beef, mushrooms, and mixed vegetables, is rich and satisfying. The combination of rosemary leaves and thyme leaves adds a delightful earthy aroma. With the use of quality ingredients like chicken broth and beef broth, this recipe promises a delicious and hearty meal that you can trust to impress your loved ones.
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