Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food dish that has been around for centuries. It's popular in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It's a simple dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. It's easy to make and is always a hit at family gatherings or potlucks. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious shepherd's pie that you and your family will love.
Ingredients:
To make a shepherd's pie, you'll need the following ingredients: ground beef or lamb, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, frozen peas, Worcestershire sauce, butter, tomato paste, flour, beef broth, salt and pepper, and potatoes. For the topping, you'll need butter, sour cream, and grated cheese.
Instructions:
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or lamb with the onion and garlic until the meat is cooked through. Next, add the carrots, celery, and peas and cook for another few minutes. Finally, add the Worcestershire sauce, butter, tomato paste, and flour and stir until everything is combined. Then, add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Then, peel and cut the potatoes into cubes and add them to a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with butter and sour cream until they are smooth and creamy. Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef and vegetable mixture and top with grated cheese.
Bake the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
If you're looking to lighten up the dish, you can replace the ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use ground pork or sausage. You can also use fresh or canned vegetables if you prefer. For a vegan option, you can replace the ground meat with crumbled tempeh or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
To make the dish even more flavorful, you can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. You can also add in other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of paprika to the mashed potatoes. Finally, you can top the shepherd's pie with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
Shepherd's pie is a hearty meal that can be served as a main dish. It's great served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of gravy. It's also great served with crusty bread or rolls.
Storing and Reheating:
Leftover shepherd's pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Enjoy!
