Introduction
A classic British dish, shepherd’s pie is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s day. Made with a mixture of ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is hearty and filling. While it may take a bit of time to make, shepherd’s pie is well worth the effort and can be easily reheated for leftovers.
Ingredients
-1 kg ground lamb or beef
-1 large onion, diced
-3 carrots, peeled and diced
-2 tablespoons flour
-2 cups beef broth
-1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-2 tablespoons butter
-4 cups mashed potatoes
-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground lamb or beef until browned.
3. Add the onion and carrots, and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Dot with butter, then spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
7. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Potential changes & improvements
-For a richer dish, you can substitute beef broth for red wine.
-Add a bit of spice by stirring in some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme.
-Try using sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes in place of the regular mashed potatoes.
What other food it works well with
Shepherd’s pie goes well with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine.
Common Mistakes
-Not browning the meat: Be sure to cook the ground beef or lamb until it’s nicely browned before adding the vegetables. This will give the dish more flavor.
-Overcooking the vegetables: The onion and carrots should be cooked until they’re softened, but not mushy.
-Not using enough cheese: A good shepherd’s pie should be nice and cheesy. Be sure to use at least 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutritional Information
-Calories: 590
-Fat: 29 g
-Saturated Fat: 13 g
-Cholesterol: 107 mg
-Sodium: 716 mg
-Carbohydrates: 49 g
-Fiber: 4 g
-Sugar: 7 g
-Protein: 28 g
Allergens
-Dairy
-Eggs
-Gluten
-Wheat