If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love, then this shepherd’s pie made with ground beef is just what you need! With tender beef cooked in a flavorful blend of mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to perfection, this classic recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The savory flavors of beef and vegetables, enhanced with a blend of herbs and spices, create a delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any night of the week.
The Best Bake Shepard’s Pie
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 lbs of ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables carrots, peas, corn, green beans or your favorites!
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup beef broth or stock
- 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- 2 Tsp Salt to taste
- 1 Tsp pepper to tast
- 4-5 large potatoes (2lbs) Yukon Gold peeled and diced
Mashed Potatoes
- ¼ cup of milk
- ¼ Cup heavy cream
- 4 Tbsl of butter
- 1/4 Cup sour cream
- 2 Tsp salt
- 1 Tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9” x 13” inch pan with cooking spray.
Meat Mixture
- Prepare your ingredients.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat. You will be using the same pan for your onions and garlic.
- Remove the ground beef from the pan and set aside.
- Chop the onions.
- Mince the Garlic.
- In the same pan used for the ground beef, add the chopped onion to the skillet, and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft. Add in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish (sprayed with cooking spray) and spread it evenly.
Mashed Potatoes
- Prepare your ingredients.
- Peel and chop the potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
- Place the potatoes in a pan and cover with water (about 1 inch over the potatoes). Salt the water and bring to a boil until they are soft.
- Drain the water and return the potatoes to the bot. Add the milk and butter to the pot. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
- Mash extremely well until the potato mixture is creamy.
Final Preparation
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the 9” x 13” pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the chives (optional) and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the shepherd's pie for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add more chives to the top before serving.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade shepherd's pie with ground beef!
Notes
- Use a lean ground beef: Using a lean ground beef will reduce the amount of fat in the dish, making it healthier and less greasy.
- Drain the excess fat: Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef before adding the vegetables and seasonings. This will also help reduce the amount of fat in the dish.
- Season generously: Adding enough seasoning, such as salt, pepper, and dried thyme, will give the dish a delicious flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Use frozen mixed vegetables: Using frozen mixed vegetables is convenient and cost-effective. They are also pre-cut and ready to use, making the recipe easier and faster to prepare.
- Mash the potatoes well: Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy to get a nice, even layer over the beef mixture. You can also add a little milk or cream to make the potatoes creamier.
- Add cheese on top: Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes will create a delicious cheesy crust on the shepherd’s pie.
- Let it cool before serving: Letting the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving will help it set and make it easier to cut and serve.
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool to room temperature.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Store the shepherd’s pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Microwave: Place a single serving of the shepherd’s pie in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the shepherd’s pie with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Preheat oven: 5 minutes
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic: 10-15 minutes
- Add vegetables and seasonings: 5-7 minutes
- Cook mashed potatoes: 20-25 minutes
- Assemble the shepherd’s pie: 10-15 minutes
- Bake the shepherd’s pie: 25-30 minutes
History:
Shepherd’s pie is a traditional English dish that has been around for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the rural areas of England, where it was a common meal for shepherds who worked on farms and tended to flocks of sheep.
Originally, shepherd’s pie was made with leftover roasted meat, such as lamb or mutton, which was then mixed with vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes. The dish was created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and create a hearty and filling meal that was easy to prepare.
Over time, the recipe evolved, and different variations of the dish emerged. Today, shepherd’s pie is typically made with ground beef or lamb, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. The dish is often seasoned with herbs and spices, and is typically topped with mashed potatoes and sometimes grated cheese.
Shepherd’s pie has become a popular comfort food all around the world, and is often served in pubs and restaurants, as well as in homes as a family meal. Its rich history and hearty flavors continue to make it a beloved dish today.
Pairing Recommendations:
Shepherd’s pie made with ground beef is a hearty and comforting meal that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some suggestions for pairings that can complement the flavors of the dish:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes can add a refreshing touch to the meal and balance the richness of the shepherd’s pie.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, roasted asparagus, turmeric roasted cauliflower, and roasted cabbage can be a perfect accompaniment to the savory flavors of the shepherd’s pie.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, can enhance the flavors of the dish and complement the richness of the beef.
- Beer: A pint of stout or porter can be a great choice to pair with the hearty flavors of the shepherd’s pie.
- Apple Pie: A warm piece of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be a delicious way to end the meal on a sweet note. The sweetness of the dessert can balance the savory flavors of the dish.
Variations:
Shepherd’s pie is a classic dish that has many variations, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are some variations you can try:
- Cottage Pie: This variation uses ground beef instead of lamb, and is sometimes made with mixed vegetables, onions, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: This version is made with lentils, mushrooms, or other vegetarian protein sources instead of meat. It can be seasoned with herbs and spices for added flavor.
- Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: This version uses mashed sweet potatoes instead of traditional mashed potatoes, giving the dish a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie: This variation includes a layer of grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, which is then baked until melted and bubbly.
- Mexican Shepherd’s Pie: This version uses ground beef mixed with taco seasoning, corn, and black beans, and is topped with mashed sweet potatoes and shredded cheese.
- Seafood Shepherd’s Pie: This variation uses seafood such as shrimp or crab, mixed with a variety of vegetables such as peas, corn, and carrots, and topped with mashed potatoes.
- Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness: This version adds a splash of Guinness beer to the filling, which adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots: This variation uses tater tots instead of mashed potatoes for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe for shepherd’s pie made with ground beef provides a number of important nutrients and can be a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Here are some of the nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Ground beef is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. A 6-ounce serving of ground beef provides approximately 36 grams of protein.
- Vegetables: The recipe includes a variety of frozen mixed vegetables, such as carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also add fiber to the dish, which can help promote digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6.
- Calcium: This recipe includes shredded cheddar cheese, which is a good source of calcium. Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Iron: Ground beef is also a good source of iron, which is important for transporting oxygen in the blood. A 6-ounce serving of ground beef provides approximately 4.5 milligrams of iron.
Overall, this recipe for shepherd’s pie made with ground beef can be a nutritious and satisfying meal, particularly when paired with a side salad or other vegetables.
Nutritional Breakdown:
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a serving of shepherd’s pie (assuming the recipe serves 6):
- Calories: 540 Total
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 690mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 35g
Please note that these are approximate values and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used. Also, keep in mind that the nutritional values may change if you use different types of ground meat or adjust the recipe in any way.
Fun Facts:
- Shepherd’s pie is also known as “cottage pie,” which is a similar dish made with beef instead of lamb or mutton.
- The term “Shepherd’s pie” first appeared in the 1870s, but the dish itself had been around for centuries before that.
- Traditionally, the mashed potato topping of a Shepherd’s pie is roughened with a fork before baking, creating a textured surface that crisps up in the oven.
- In some parts of England, Shepherd’s pie is made with a layer of sliced tomatoes on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
- In the United States, Shepherd’s pie is often referred to as “meat and potato pie.”
- In Ireland, Shepherd’s pie is made with lamb instead of beef, and is often topped with a layer of breadcrumbs for added texture.
- In Scotland, Shepherd’s pie is made with haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal and spices.
- Shepherd’s pie is a popular dish in many countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
- In 2006, a world record was set for the largest Shepherd’s pie ever made. The pie weighed over 12,000 pounds and was made in the town of Tattenhall, Cheshire, England.
- The vegetarian version of Shepherd’s pie, made with lentils or mushrooms instead of meat, is called “Vegetable Shepherd’s pie” or “Shepherdess pie”.
“Shepherd’s pie is an English specialty, and I can’t resist it.”
– Ina Garten
