Easy American Shepherd's Pie Recipe - A Classic USA Dish

Easy American Shepherd's Pie

Easy American Shepherd's Pie Recipe - A Classic USA Dish
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Easy American Shepherd's Pie
Easy American Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food dish that originated in the United Kingdom. This Easy American Shepherd's Pie recipe puts a twist on the traditional dish by using ground beef and condensed vegetable soup for a quick and delicious meal.

History

Shepherd's Pie has been a popular dish in the UK for centuries, traditionally made with minced lamb or mutton and topped with mashed potatoes. The dish was created as a way to use up leftover meat and vegetables, making it a thrifty and satisfying meal for families.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and celery until the juices run clear.
  3. Drain the mixture.
  4. Pour the mixture into the baking dish along with the vegetable soup and thyme; mix well.
  5. Spread the mashed potatoes on top.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste for extra flavor.
  • Top the Shepherd's Pie with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the ground beef mixture before adding it to the baking dish to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or corn.

- For a crispy topping, broil the Shepherd's Pie for a few minutes after adding the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground beef and vegetables before baking helps to develop flavor.

- Mixing the vegetable soup with the meat mixture adds moisture and richness to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use instant mashed potatoes for a quicker preparation.

- Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the Shepherd's Pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Shepherd's Pie with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This hearty dish pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Easy American Shepherd's Pie recipe contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Easy American Shepherd's Pie recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this Shepherd's Pie recipe contains around 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

With lean ground beef as the main protein source, this recipe provides about 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron from the vegetables and beef.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheese and may contain gluten if the condensed vegetable soup contains wheat.

Summary

Overall, this Easy American Shepherd's Pie recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Easy American Shepherd's Pie recipe is a simple and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a flavorful meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Easy American Shepherd's Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the Midwest. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and she decided to make this dish for the first time. As I watched her cook, I was fascinated by the way she effortlessly put together such a delicious and comforting meal.

I remember asking my mother where she had learned to make such a wonderful dish, and she told me that she had picked up the recipe from a friend who had learned it from her grandmother. The recipe had been passed down through generations, and my mother had added her own touches to it over the years.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Easy American Shepherd's Pie myself. I watched my mother carefully as she cooked, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. I asked her questions about why she chose certain spices or vegetables, and she patiently explained the reasons behind her choices.

After that evening, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Easy American Shepherd's Pie. I practiced making it over and over again, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, Easy American Shepherd's Pie became a staple in our household. My children loved coming home to the smell of the savory meat and vegetables bubbling away in the oven, and I loved knowing that I was passing down a piece of our family's culinary history to them.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Easy American Shepherd's Pie with friends and neighbors, always happy to pass on the tradition of this delicious dish. I have made it for countless dinner parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, and it never fails to impress.

I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe over the years, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it uniquely my own. But the heart of the dish remains the same – a hearty and comforting meal that brings people together around the dinner table.

I am grateful for the recipe for Easy American Shepherd's Pie, and for all the memories and traditions that have been built around it. It is a reminder of the simple joys of home-cooked meals and the love and care that goes into preparing them.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of Easy American Shepherd's Pie with my family, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned from this dish – the importance of tradition, the joy of sharing food with loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious with my own two hands. And for that, I will always be grateful.

Categories

| American Meat Dishes | American Recipes | Casserole Recipes | Colby Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Mashed Potato Recipes | Thyme Recipes |

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