Down Home Shepherd’s Pie: A Comforting Classic for Leftover Prime Rib
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the warm, nostalgic feeling quite like a hearty Shepherd’s Pie, and this delightful version, born from the necessity of utilizing leftover prime rib, elevates the standard recipe to new heights. Perfectly suited for those who have enjoyed a grand holiday feast and are now looking to repurpose their delicious leftovers, this Down Home Shepherd’s Pie is an undeniable crowd-pleaser that melds rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a staple for any dinner table throughout the year.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 267.1 |
| Rating | 4 (based on 1 review) |
Ingredients
To achieve this comforting delight, gather the following ingredients, which perfectly balance the hearty roast beef and creamy mashed potatoes:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roast beef | 2 cups |
| Mashed potatoes | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Peas | ½ cup |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 10.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 68.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1024 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g |
| Sugars | 6.5 g |
| Protein | 9.7 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a Shepherd’s Pie that will surely become a cherished tradition in your kitchen:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly, yielding a perfectly golden crust and bubbling gravy.
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Sauté the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion, cooking until they are tender and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This will infuse your filling with a savory base flavor.
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Combine the Filling Ingredients: Next, incorporate the 2 cups of roast beef, diced carrots, and ½ cup of peas into the skillet. Pour in your choice of gravy—homemade or store-bought—and stir everything together until the mixture is heated through and well combined. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Season to Taste: Taste your filling and add salt and pepper according to your preference. The seasoning enhances the rich flavors of the beef and vegetables, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
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Make the Mashed Potato Topping: In a bowl, take your 2 cups of mashed potatoes and mix in the yolk of one egg. Beat the mixture well until it is creamy and fluffy. This will not only enrich the potatoes but also give them a lovely sheen when baked.
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Layer the Potatoes: Spoon the enriched mashed potatoes over the beef and vegetable mixture, spreading it out to cover the filling completely. This creates a delightful barrier that keeps all the flavors locked in.
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Bake the Pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the dish briefly to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven to allow the cheese to melt and create a lovely, bubbly crust.
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Check for Doneness: The pie is ready when the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the gravy is visibly bubbling.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to dish out. Serve hot, savoring the comforting flavors and heartwarming aroma that this classic dish brings to your table.
Conclusion
This Down Home Shepherd’s Pie, while simple in its preparation, delivers on flavor and heartiness, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Its ability to transform leftover prime rib into a dish that feels fresh and exciting is what sets it apart from standard recipes, ensuring that your culinary creativity shines while reducing food waste. Enjoy this comforting classic as a delicious reminder of the joys of home cooking and the warmth of family meals.
