Tuna Shepherd’s Pie: A Delightful One-Dish Meal
Tuna Shepherd’s Pie is a heartwarming dish that transforms the classic flavors of tuna casserole into a delightful and satisfying one-dish meal that will surely become a family favorite. With its creamy filling and a golden-brown layer of mashed potatoes, this dish offers a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for any night of the week. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a Tuna Shepherd’s Pie that not only brings back memories of home but also introduces a new twist to your dinner table.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Details | |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Recipe Category | One Dish Meal |
| Description | A delightful tuna casserole with a golden topping. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Components | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 453.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 38.7 mg |
| Sodium | 1187 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 48.2 g |
| Fiber | 5.6 g |
| Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Protein | 32.9 g |
Ingredients
To create this delicious Tuna Shepherd’s Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Solid white tuna (drained) | 1 can (approximately 6 oz) |
| Chunk tuna (drained) | 2 cans (approximately 6 oz each) |
| Mushroom pieces (optional) | 1 can (approximately 7 oz) |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 – 1/3 cup |
| Mashed potatoes | 4 cups |
| Paprika | To taste |
| Mixed frozen peas and carrots | 1 cup |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Tuna Shepherd’s Pie, ensuring you savor each part of the process as the flavors blend beautifully in the oven.
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking once the dish is placed in the oven. Additionally, take a moment to prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish by spraying it generously with non-stick spray to prevent the pie from sticking as it bakes.
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Thaw the Vegetables: Using a colander, run the frozen peas and carrots under hot water until they are separated and somewhat thawed. This step helps the vegetables to cook more evenly in the pie, preventing any unwanted cold spots in your delicious filling. Once thawed, set them aside.
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Prepare the Tuna: In a mixing bowl, flake the solid white tuna and chunk tuna using a fork, ensuring there are no large chunks left. The texture of the tuna is key to creating a cohesive filling for your shepherd’s pie, so take your time with this step.
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Combine Ingredients: To the flaked tuna, add the optional mushroom pieces and the thawed peas and carrots. Toss the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking them down too much.
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Mix with Mayonnaise: Next, add the mayonnaise to the mixture. Stir gently, ensuring that the mayonnaise binds the ingredients together without making the mixture too wet or creamy. The goal here is to add moisture without overpowering the flavor of the tuna and vegetables.
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Season to Taste: At this stage, add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that tuna is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional salt. Taste the mixture as you season to ensure it meets your preference.
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Layer in Baking Dish: Carefully pat the tuna and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer. This step is important for ensuring that every bite of your pie has a perfect blend of flavors.
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Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the tuna mixture, spreading them evenly across the top. If your mashed potatoes are a bit stiff, consider warming them slightly to make spreading easier.
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Create Texture on the Top: With the back of a soup spoon, make little waves and peaks in the mashed potatoes by pressing and twisting the spoon to create an appealing texture. These peaks will brown nicely during baking, adding both visual appeal and a delightful crunch to your shepherd’s pie.
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Season the Top: Sprinkle paprika generously over the top of the mashed potatoes. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the color of the dish as it bakes, creating an inviting golden-brown hue.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the filling is heated through, bubbling around the edges, and the top of the mashed potatoes is nicely golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will be irresistible!
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the Tuna Shepherd’s Pie from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares for serving. This dish pairs beautifully with hot rolls and crunchy carrot and celery sticks, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie. For an added touch of nostalgia, you might consider serving it with whole berry cranberry sauce on the side, as this was a cherished combination from childhood.
Conclusion
This Tuna Shepherd’s Pie is more than just a meal; it’s a journey into cherished memories, evoking the warmth of home cooking. With its hearty filling, creamy texture, and golden topping, it’s a dish that transcends generations and makes for a delightful addition to your family’s recipe collection. The blend of flavors and the ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. Each bite brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction, ensuring that it will be loved by everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and may this dish bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine!
