Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Overview:
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for feeding a large family or a gathering of friends. This recipe yields enough to satisfy 10-12 hungry mouths, offering a wonderful medley of flavors and textures. It’s a delightful combination of seasoned ground beef or hamburger, mixed vegetables, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and a generous topping of sharp cheddar cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add-ons, like sautéed mushrooms, to suit your taste preferences. 🥧
Ingredients:
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 onion
- 4 garlic cloves (divided)
- 2 cups green beans (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups corn (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup carrots (sliced)
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 5-6 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Peel and quarter the potatoes, then place them in a pot. Cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and 2 whole garlic cloves. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender. |
| 2 | While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the celery, onion, and 2 cloves of chopped garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce, cooking until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess fat. |
| 3 | Mix in the cream of mushroom soup with the meat mixture, then add half of each can of green beans, corn, and carrots. Heat on low until the vegetables are warmed through. Set the meat mixture aside. |
| 4 | Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and mash them up. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Use an electric mixer to whip the potatoes until fluffy, adjusting the milk as needed for consistency. |
| 5 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 6 | Spread the meat mixture evenly into a large deep dish casserole pan. Top with the remaining half of the green beans, corn, and carrots. |
| 7 | Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture and smooth out the surface. |
| 8 | Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, covering them evenly. |
| 9 | Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 10 | Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish with your family and friends. 🍽️ |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 178.5
- Fat Content: 10.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 29.4mg
- Sodium Content: 230.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.7g
- Fiber Content: 2g
- Sugar Content: 2.7g
- Protein Content: 9.1g
Tips:
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or ingredients to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
- Shepherd’s Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day before baking. Just remember to allow extra baking time if the dish is cold.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal the next day.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Shepherd’s Pie, perfect for any gathering or family dinner! 🥄
