Shepherd’s Pie With Caramelized Onions Recipe 🥧
Description:
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a delightful blend of fresh and simple flavors, hailing from the cherished “Farmhouse Cookbook.” It’s a nostalgic dish that will transport you back to comforting family dinners. The key to elevating this classic is perfectly caramelized onions, adding a rich sweetness to every bite. While you can opt for convenience with instant mashed potatoes, trust me, the fresh version is worth the effort. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a bag of fresh spinach for a nutritious twist. Let’s dive into creating this hearty masterpiece!
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Rating: ⭐ 4.5
- Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 | Russet potatoes |
2/3 | Cup milk |
1/3 | Cup heavy cream |
1 | Pound lean ground beef |
1/4 | Teaspoon ground allspice |
– | Salt |
– | Fresh ground black pepper |
2 | Onions |
1/4 | Cup water |
2 | Cups frozen corn kernels |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 379.5
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 80.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2.8g
- Protein: 21.4g
Instructions:
-
Prepare Potatoes:
- Steam the russet potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water until they are soft, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
-
Season Ground Beef:
- While the potatoes are steaming, mix the lean ground beef in a bowl with ground allspice, salt, and pepper to taste.
-
Brown Beef:
- Brown the seasoned ground beef in a large skillet until it is almost cooked through but still slightly pink.
-
Caramelize Onions:
- In the same skillet, add the onions to the fat and cover. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions turn a deep golden to dark brown color, about 10 minutes. Ensure they caramelize without burning by adjusting the heat as needed.
-
Combine Beef and Onions:
- Transfer the caramelized onions to the ground beef using a slotted spoon. Add any cooking liquid from the onions to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined, then season to taste. Set aside.
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare Potatoes:
- Mash the steamed potatoes until they are completely smooth, adding milk and heavy cream as you mash. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The potatoes should be soft and creamy.
-
Mix Corn:
- Add the frozen corn kernels to the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture. Stir to combine.
-
Assemble Pie:
- Press the meat and corn mixture into a 9-inch glass pie plate or an 8×8-inch glass baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
-
Top with Potatoes:
- Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage without piling too much in the center.
-
Bake:
- Bake the shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven until it is hot throughout, approximately 30 minutes.
-
Broil for Golden Finish:
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and preheat the broiler. Place the pie about 2 inches from the heat source and broil until the potatoes turn golden brown on top, about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
-
Serve Warm:
- Remove the pie from the broiler and serve immediately, enjoying the comforting blend of flavors and textures.
Tips and Tricks:
- Caramelizing Onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Cook them slowly over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Fresh vs. Instant Potatoes: While instant mashed potatoes offer convenience, the flavor and texture of fresh mashed potatoes are incomparable. Take the extra time to prepare them from scratch for a truly delicious shepherd’s pie.
- Add Spinach for Nutrition: Boost the nutritional value of this dish by adding a bag of fresh spinach to the meat mixture before baking. It’s a tasty way to incorporate more greens into your meal.
This Shepherd’s Pie with Caramelized Onions is a timeless favorite that will delight your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or for a special family dinner, its hearty goodness is sure to please. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of homemade goodness straight from your kitchen! 🍽️