Mediterranean Spiced Beef Shepherd’s Pie with Feta Potato Topping

Spicy Shepherd’s Pie With Feta Potato Topping

Overview:

This Spicy Shepherd’s Pie With Feta Potato Topping recipe combines hearty flavors with a Mediterranean twist, featuring layers of spiced beef, vegetables, and a creamy feta potato topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy!

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 6 potatoes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Eggplants:

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   • Cut the eggplants into 1-inch cubes.
   • Place them in a sieve and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside to drain.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture:

   • In a large nonstick skillet, cook the lean ground beef, onion, and half of the garlic over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
   • Drain off any fat.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Transfer the mixture to a 12-cup (3L) casserole dish.

3. Prepare the Vegetable Layer:

   • Rinse the eggplant cubes under cold water and pat them dry.
   • In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant cubes, sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, hot pepper flakes, and the remaining garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender.
   • Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
   • Spoon the vegetable mixture evenly over the beef mixture in the casserole dish.

4. Prepare the Potato Topping:

   • Meanwhile, in a saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes or until tender.
   • Reserve some of the cooking water, then drain the potatoes well.
   • Return the potatoes to the saucepan and dry them out slightly over low heat.
   • Remove from heat and add crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and salt and pepper to taste. Beat the mixture until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved cooking water to achieve a fluffy consistency.

5. Assemble and Bake:

   • Spread the potato mixture evenly over the vegetable layer in the casserole dish.
   • At this point, you can cover the casserole dish and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours if preparing ahead.
   • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Bake the shepherd’s pie, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil.

6. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

7. Enjoy Your Meal!

   • This Spicy Shepherd’s Pie With Feta Potato Topping recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends.
   • This recipe is adapted from the Bonnie Stern Cookbook, ensuring a delicious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 646.8
• Total Fat: 28.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 14.3g
• Cholesterol: 160.8mg
• Sodium: 860.2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 58.4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 13g
  • Sugar: 11.6g
• Protein: 42.4g

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground or more vegetables like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Add More Heat: Increase the amount of hot pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses for the potato topping, such as goat cheese or sharp cheddar, for varied flavors.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Conclusion:

This Spicy Shepherd’s Pie With Feta Potato Topping recipe from lovewithrecipes.com promises a delightful meal that combines savory ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy potato topping enriched with feta cheese. Whether enjoyed for a family dinner or special gathering, this dish offers warmth, comfort, and a delicious taste of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.