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Old Fashioned Shepherd's Pie
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This classic recipe is always a favorite because it is a great way to use up leftover vegetables (and even leftover gravy and mashed potatoes).
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
3 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup beef gravy
2 cups corn (canned or frozen), peas or mixed vegetables
3 cups prepared, seasoned mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut in small bits
paprika to taste
directions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
In a deep, oven-proof skillet, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and gravy to the skillet and mix well.
Spread the corn over the beef mixture. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the corn. Use a fork to form a decorative pattern in the mashed potatoes, if desired.
Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with the butter and sprinkle with paprika.
Place the shepherd's pie in the oven and bake at 300 degrees F for 1 hour or until the potatoes are browned.
Remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the shepherd's pie hot.
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recipe tips
For a more flavorful base, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste to the beef mixture.
If the mashed potatoes seem too thick to spread easily, mix in a little milk or beef broth to make them more pliable.
For a crispy top, broil the pie for the last few minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
To lighten up the dish, you can use lean ground beef or lamb and low-fat dairy options for the mashed potatoes.
Try different herbs like rosemary or sage in place of the thyme.
common recipe questions
Can I use lamb instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, using ground lamb instead of beef would actually make this dish a traditional Shepherd's Pie, as the original version is made with lamb. If you use beef, it's often referred to as Cottage Pie. The preparation method remains the same, just substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of ground lamb.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Shepherd's Pie, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use a mixture of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, carrots, and celery. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and use vegetable gravy instead of beef gravy to keep the dish vegetarian.
How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
For creamier mashed potatoes, add extra butter or cream when preparing them. You could also mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for added richness. Make sure the mashed potatoes are well-seasoned before spreading them on top of the pie.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Adding cheese to the mashed potatoes can provide additional flavor and a nice golden crust. Stir in some grated cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the pie. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can incorporate other vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers into the ground meat mixture. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just cook them with the meat and onions to make sure they're tender.
Can I prepare the Shepherd's Pie in advance?
Yes, Shepherd's Pie is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the pie up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. Cover with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out.
nutrition data
375 calories, 20 grams fat, 32 grams carbohydrates, 17 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
February 5, 2020
great recipe but i leave the corn out/ instead i chopp up 4 or 5 nice big kosher dill pickles/mix them into the fried ground beef and mashed potatoes/plus the spices. but in casserole than cover the top with lightly fried onion rings/ bake in oven for 15 minutes on low,/ serve and GUTEN APPETIT !
March 16, 2018
This is the best recipe I have ever made. My four kids ask for it all the time!
August 31, 2011
We make this recipe a few times every summer -- when it's sweet corn season! I've made it a couple of times with a can of corn like it calls for, but we like it a lot better with fresh sweet corn! Sometimes it's leftover corn that I cut off the cob for this recipe; sometimes I just cut the uncooked corn off the cob directly into the casserole dish. This recipe is great and allows for "wiggle room". Sometimes I only use a pound (or pound and a half) of hamburger instead of two. Sometimes I use instant potatoes instead of "real" mashed potatoes. Sometimes I forget the onion. I usually use Velveeta instead of American cheese. And our preferred topping of choice for casseroles is dry chicken StoveTop stuffing mixed with melted butter. A wonderful recipe that you can't mess up!
In the UK this is called a Cottage pie (being made with beef) Shepherds pie is made with Minced lamb (hence the Shepherd!!) but tasty which ever way you make it.