Shepherd’s Pie a la Brenda
Description:
This recipe is a delightful rendition of the classic Shepherd’s Pie, imbued with flavors that make it an irresistible favorite. Originally shared by a dear friend, I’ve taken the liberty to enhance it, resulting in a dish that’s bound to tantalize your taste buds. From the savory aroma that fills your kitchen to the comforting warmth it brings to your table, this Shepherd’s Pie is a culinary journey worth savoring.
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 376.8
- Fat Content: 21g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 120.1mg
- Sodium Content: 1031.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 7.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.7g
- Sugar Content: 1.9g
- Protein Content: 37.6g
Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 to 1 cup water
- Assorted vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cold water (for dissolving cornstarch)
- Mashed potatoes (prepared)
- Cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lightly brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding minced garlic for flavor. | 5 minutes |
| 2 | Stir in the onion soup mix, followed by 1/2 to 1 cup of water, allowing the mixture to simmer. | 10 minutes |
| 3 | Once the mixture reaches a boil, add assorted vegetables and simmer until they are tender. | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Dissolve cornstarch in cold water, then stir it into the skillet mixture to thicken the sauce. | 5 minutes |
| 5 | Transfer the thickened mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. | 2 minutes |
| 6 | Spoon prepared mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading them evenly to cover the surface. | 5 minutes |
| 7 | Using a fork, score the top of the mashed potatoes to create a decorative pattern. | 2 minutes |
| 8 | Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in a preheated oven until the potatoes develop a golden crust. | 25 minutes |
| 9 | Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of baking. | 5 minutes |
Additional Tips:
- For added richness, mix butter into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the beef mixture.
- Customize the vegetable medley to suit your preferences or use up any leftover veggies in your fridge.
- Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Shepherd’s Pie a la Brenda is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece crafted with love and attention to detail. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy family gathering, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite. Experience the comforting embrace of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, all harmoniously layered in one glorious dish. Give it a try and indulge in a taste of homemade goodness that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. Enjoy! 🍽️
