Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Overview:
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish, perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge. It’s not only hearty and satisfying but also gentle on the stomach, making it an ideal choice for recovery meals or whenever you need something comforting yet nourishing. This recipe is tailored to be low in salt, using undiluted beef consomme instead of regular beef broth to reduce sodium content.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8.1g
- Cholesterol: 79.4mg
- Sodium: 308.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 65.3g
- Fiber: 8.5g
- Sugars: 5.5g
- Protein: 29.2g
Ingredients:
- 6 potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can undiluted beef consomme (beef broth)
- 2 carrots
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking Times:
| Preparation | Total |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 3 hours |
Instructions:
For the Potato Topping:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes well.
- Add milk to the potatoes and mash until smooth and fluffy. Keep warm.
For the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened.
- Add chopped carrots and minced garlic, sautéing for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the undiluted beef consomme (or beef broth). Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the meat filling and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
- Transfer the meat filling to a buttered ovenproof casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out evenly to cover.
- Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Shepherd’s Pie is delicious on its own or served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
This recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef and vegetables with the comforting texture of mashed potatoes, all baked to perfection. It’s a wholesome meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, whether for a comforting family dinner or a make-ahead meal during busy times. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and enjoy this comforting dish whenever you need a satisfying, flavorful meal.
