Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet and cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground turkey.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with frozen corn or green beans.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any type of shredded cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Top the mashed potatoes with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time to save time.
- Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes for a rustic texture.
- Let the shepherd's pie cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the shepherd's pie in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef mixture is too watery, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it.
- If the mashed potatoes are too dry, add a splash of milk or butter to make them creamier.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Shepherd's pie originated in the United Kingdom and was traditionally made with lamb.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, hearty, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine for a cozy night in.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Herbal, Comforting