Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food dish, deeply satisfying and perfect for family dinners. This version uses the convenience of Birds Eye® Recipe Ready Mirepoix, a blend of onions, celery, and carrots, to add depth and flavor to the ground beef base. Topped off with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
The Birds Eye® Recipe Ready Mirepoix is a handy ingredient to have on hand when making this shepherd's pie. It's a pre-chopped mix of onions, celery, and carrots, traditional ingredients in a shepherd's pie. It's readily available in most supermarkets in the frozen vegetables aisle. The rest of the ingredients are common kitchen staples, so preparing this dish should be a breeze.
Shepherd's Pie Ingredients from Birds Eye Recipe
Ground beef: This is the main protein source for the dish. It adds a hearty and savory flavor.
Tomatoes: Adds a tangy taste and gives the pie a nice sauce.
Birds eye® recipe ready mirepoix: This mix of onions, celery, and carrots adds depth and flavor to the dish.
Parsley: It adds a hint of freshness to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all other ingredients.
Mashed potatoes: Creates the creamy, comforting top layer of the shepherd's pie.
One reader, Chevy Barth says:
I recently tried the Shepherd's Pie from Birds Eye Recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors were rich and the mashed potatoes were perfectly golden. It was so easy to make and my family loved it. I highly recommend it for a quick and tasty meal.
Techniques Required for Making Shepherd's Pie from Birds Eye Recipe
How to brown the beef: In a large nonstick skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
How to bring to a boil: Once the tomatoes and recipe ready mirepoix are added to the browned beef, increase the heat to high and stir the mixture until it starts to bubble and boil.
How to simmer: After the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow it to gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to top with mashed potatoes: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the beef and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
How to bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are golden and the mixture is bubbling.
How To Make Shepherd’s Pie from Birds Eye®
Savor a delectable bite of this shepherd’s pie that’s brimming with flavor from a ready-to-cook Birds Eye® mirepoix, diced tomatoes, and mashed potatoes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lblean ground beef
- 14.5oztomatoes,(1 can) diced
- 14ozbirds eye® recipe ready mirepoix,(1 bag)
- 1tbspparsley,chopped
- ¼tspsalt
- 24ozmashed potatoes,(1 container) refrigerated, prepared
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Brown the beef in a large nonstick skillet. Drain the fat.
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Add the tomatoes and Recipe Ready Mirepoix, and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and salt.
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Turn the mixture into a 1 to ½ quart casserole dish.
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Evenly top with the mashed potatoes.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and the mixture is bubbling.
Recipe Notes
Cook the beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F as measured with a food thermometer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 458.26kcal
- Fat: 27.69g
- Saturated Fat: 9.61g
- Trans Fat: 1.52g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.96g
- Carbohydrates: 28.98g
- Fiber: 3.48g
- Sugar: 3.56g
- Protein: 23.21g
- Cholesterol: 80.51mg
- Sodium: 746.35mg
- Calcium: 62.71mg
- Potassium: 1041.50mg
- Iron: 3.06mg
- Vitamin A: 124.84µg
- Vitamin C: 15.34mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Shepherd's Pie
When preparing the mashed potatoes for your shepherd's pie, ensure they are creamy and smooth for the best texture. You can achieve this by adding a bit of milk or cream while mashing. Also, for an extra golden and crispy top, you can brush the mashed potatoes with a bit of melted butter before baking. This not only enhances the color but also adds a delightful flavor to your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shepherd's Pie
Prep ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes and the mirepoix mixture in advance to save time when assembling the shepherd's pie.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut mirepoix mix to eliminate the need for chopping and save time during the preparation process.
Multi-task: While the beef is browning, use that time to prepare the mashed potatoes or preheat the oven to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a skillet that can go from stovetop to oven to minimize the number of dishes and save time on cleanup.
Leftover makeover: Utilize leftover mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables from previous meals to assemble a quick shepherd's pie for a time-saving dinner option.
Freeze for later: Make a double batch of the shepherd's pie and freeze the extra portion for a convenient meal on a busy day.
Substitute Ingredients For Shepherd’s Pie from Birds Eye® Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef, and it provides a similar texture and flavor in the dish.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing the same tomato flavor and texture.
birds eye® recipe ready mirepoix - Substitute with diced onions, carrots, and celery: Diced onions, carrots, and celery can be used as a homemade substitute for the birds eye® recipe ready mirepoix, providing the same aromatic base for the dish.
parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt can be used to add flavor to the dish while also providing the necessary saltiness.
mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed cauliflower: Mashed cauliflower can be used as a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, providing a similar creamy texture and serving as a healthier option.
Presentation Tips for a Delicious Shepherd's Pie
Elevate the mashed potatoes: Create a smooth and creamy texture, and use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls on top of the shepherd's pie. This will add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives or parsley over the mashed potatoes to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Consider individual servings: Instead of a large casserole dish, consider plating the shepherd's pie in individual ramekins for a more refined and personalized presentation.
Incorporate a sauce drizzle: Create a red wine reduction or gravy to drizzle over the shepherd's pie before serving. This will add depth of flavor and a professional touch to the dish.
Use a ring mold for plating: Place a ring mold on the serving plate and carefully pack the shepherd's pie mixture into the mold. Slowly lift the mold to reveal a perfectly shaped portion on the plate.
Add a crispy element: Top the mashed potatoes with a delicate lattice of crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs to provide a textural contrast and visual appeal.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of the components on the plate, ensuring that the shepherd's pie is presented in a visually appealing and balanced manner.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a porcelain plate or a slate platter to showcase the shepherd's pie, complementing the rustic yet refined nature of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shepherd's Pie
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
- Casserole dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving casseroles and other dishes.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and flipping food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients and preparing various dishes.
- Measuring spoon: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Measuring cup: A container used to measure liquid or dry ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and reheating food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Shepherd's Pie
Allow the shepherd's pie to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The shepherd's pie will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the shepherd's pie. Wrap the casserole dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents.
Alternatively, portion the cooled shepherd's pie into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. This allows for easy reheating of single portions.
Frozen shepherd's pie can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat refrigerated shepherd's pie, place the casserole dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
For frozen shepherd's pie, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If reheating from frozen, increase the baking time to 45-60 minutes, covering the dish with foil if the top begins to brown too quickly.
Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave. Place the desired portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the filling and rotate the dish halfway through for even heating.
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 30 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
If you prefer to 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 mashed potatoes from drying out. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the filling and rotate the dish halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat the shepherd's pie in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a portion of the pie in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the mashed potatoes are warm. This method works best for smaller portions and allows you to crisp up the bottom of the pie.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your shepherd's pie and achieve a crispy top. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
For a more unconventional method, try slicing the cold shepherd's pie into thick portions and frying them in a pan with a bit of olive oil or butter. This will create a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. This method works best for leftover pie that has been refrigerated and is firm enough to slice.
Interesting Trivia About Shepherd's Pie
The Shepherd's Pie is a classic British dish that originated as a way to use up leftovers. It was traditionally made with minced or ground meat, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked to create a hearty and comforting meal. This dish has been a staple in British cuisine for centuries and has evolved to include various regional variations and ingredients. Shepherd's Pie is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for family dinners and gatherings.
Is Making Shepherd's Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Shepherd's Pie recipe is quite high, as it utilizes affordable and readily available ingredients. The combination of lean ground beef, mirepoix, and mashed potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is budget-friendly. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe can feed a household of four, making it a cost-effective option for a delicious and filling meal. The overall verdict for this recipe is an 8, considering its affordability, simplicity, and comforting flavors.
Is This Shepherd's Pie Recipe Healthy?
The shepherd's pie recipe from Birds Eye is a hearty and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe relies on ground beef, which can be high in saturated fat and calories, especially if a higher fat content is used.
- The mashed potatoes, while providing some nutrients, can also add significant amounts of carbohydrates and calories to the dish.
- The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects, such as the use of the Birds Eye Recipe Ready Mirepoix, which provides a mix of vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat option.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, such as diced zucchini, peas, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and fiber.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes with low-fat milk and reduced amounts of butter to lower the calorie and fat content. Alternatively, consider using mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
- Use reduced-sodium beef broth or tomatoes to help control the salt content of the dish.
- Serve the shepherd's pie with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on the Birds Eye Shepherd's Pie Recipe
This Shepherd's Pie recipe is a classic comfort dish that's easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of lean ground beef, tomatoes, and Birds Eye Recipe Ready Mirepoix creates a hearty and satisfying filling, while the creamy mashed potatoes add a comforting touch. The dish is well-balanced and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Overall, it's a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Enhance Your Shepherd’s Pie from Birds Eye® Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Shepherd’s Pie from Birds Eye® Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your shepherd's pie needs. The combination of lean ground beef and mirepoix provides a flavorful and hearty base, while the addition of tomatoes infuses the dish with a rich, savory taste. The use of parsley adds a fresh, aromatic note, and the creamy mashed potatoes topping promises a comforting finish. With Birds Eye® Recipe Ready providing convenient, quality ingredients, you can have confidence in the delicious outcome of this classic dish.
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