Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- 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 and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add carrots and celery to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.
5. Add frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch baking dish.
8. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture.
9. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen peas.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried thyme.
Variations:
- Add a layer of cooked mushrooms to the meat mixture.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the mashed topping.
- Add a layer of corn to the meat mixture.
- Use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for the filling.
Tips and tricks:
- Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time to save time.
- Use a potato masher or ricer to make smooth mashed potatoes.
- Use a piping bag to pipe the mashed potatoes onto the meat mixture for a decorative effect.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Shepherd's Pie in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top of the Shepherd's Pie before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread
- Creamed spinach
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the filling is too watery, simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a splash of milk to thin them out.
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 is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 18th century. Originally made with leftover roasted meat, the dish evolved to include ground meat and mashed potatoes.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, meaty, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Related Categories
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Region: British
Taste: Savory, Rich, Meaty, Comforting, Hearty