Any shepherd's pie recipe that takes the ribbon at a county fair is worth making. This one keeps it simple, with mashed potatoes and cheddar to top off beef and veggies.
1 1/2 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cans (16 ounce size) tomatoes, drained
2 cans (16 ounce size) French green beans, drained
8 ounces shredded mild Cheddar cheese
4 cups mashed potatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, stirring, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the fat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place half of the ground beef mixture in the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. Evenly spread half of the drained tomatoes over the top. Place half of the drained green beans over the tomatoes. Repeat the layers.
Sprinkle the cheese on top of the last layer then cover completely with the mashed potatoes.
Place the dish in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Recipe Source: York County Grange Fair Winner
Remember to let the shepherd's pie rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
For a crispier top, broil the pie for a few minutes after baking.
Experiment with adding other vegetables like corn or peas to the beef mixture.
This shepherd's pie is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Lean ground beef is ideal as it provides enough flavor without too much fat. If you use a higher fat ground beef, make sure to drain as much grease off as possible before seasoning it.
Yes, fresh tomatoes and green beans can be used. Blanch the beans and chop the tomatoes before adding.
Yes, just prepare as directed on the package to yield the amount needed.
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils.
Yes, any good melting cheese like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a stronger cheddar can be used.
Make sure the tomatoes and green beans are well-drained and the beef mixture had all the grease drained.
Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Increase the baking time if baking from cold.
The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Consider adding cheese, using sweet potatoes, or a mix of potatoes and parsnips for variety.
Yes, it freezes well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Ground chicken or turkey work well as do plant-based ground beef substitutes. You could also modify it to use leftovers, just omit the cooking step for the beef. You could use any leftover poultry, beef, or even pork.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
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reviews & comments
October 21, 2013
I seasoned the beef while cooking and that added enough flavor for the whole dish.
July 25, 2007
This wasn't bad, but the folks in York County must live a very bland existence, which is reflected in their cuisine. No seasoning? Even with s&p to taste, this was pretty far from 5 stars. I guess we should never trust the judges at a county fair!