Shepherd's Pie with Beef

Shepherd's Pie with Beef Recipe from Scotland

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Shepherd's Pie with Beef is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This hearty dish consists of a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It is a satisfying and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional English dish that dates back to the late 1700s. Originally made with leftover roasted meat, the dish was a way to use up leftovers and create a hearty and filling meal. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, creating the dish we know and love today.

Ingredients

1 medium onion
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.75 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 can green peas (drained)
1 can condensed tomato soup
mashed or whipped potatoes

How to prepare

Chop the onion and fry it with the ground beef, draining off any excess fat.
Place the cooked meat and peas in a casserole dish and cover them with potatoes.
Dot the dish with butter and bake it at 350°F until the top is lightly browned.
For the whipped potatoes: Peel and boil 5 medium potatoes. Mash the potatoes while they are still hot, and add 0.5 cup of warm milk, 1 beaten egg, and a pinch of salt.
Beat the mixture with an electric mixer, or leave it as is after mashing.

Variations

Substitute ground lamb or turkey for the ground beef for a different flavor.
Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra vegetables.
Top the dish with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking the ground beef to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- For extra flavor, you can add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture.

- To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, add butter, cream, or sour cream to the potatoes before topping the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shepherd's Pie with Beef with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the meat until it is browned and cooked through before assembling the dish.

- Use a potato masher or electric mixer to whip the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use instant mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a quicker version of this dish.

- Substitute cream of mushroom soup for the condensed tomato soup for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Shepherd's Pie with Beef can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Shepherd's Pie with Beef in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Shepherd's Pie with Beef with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Shepherd's Pie with Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shepherd's Pie with Beef contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shepherd's Pie with Beef contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shepherd's Pie with Beef contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Shepherd's Pie with Beef contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Shepherd's Pie with Beef is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and butter) and eggs.

Summary

Shepherd's Pie with Beef is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shepherd's Pie with Beef is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Agnes in her cozy cottage nestled in the rolling hills of the English countryside. Agnes was a wonderful cook, and she had prepared a delicious Shepherd's Pie with Beef for our lunch that day.

As I watched her effortlessly mix the savory beef filling with the creamy mashed potatoes, I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the dish. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I was eager to learn how to make it myself.

Agnes noticed my interest and smiled knowingly. "Would you like to learn how to make Shepherd's Pie, my dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

I nodded eagerly, and she beckoned me over to the kitchen counter. "First, you'll need to brown some ground beef in a large skillet," she instructed, handing me a wooden spoon. As I stirred the meat, she added diced onions, carrots, and peas, along with a generous sprinkling of herbs and spices.

As the fragrant aroma of the beef filling filled the air, Agnes began to prepare the mashed potatoes. She boiled the potatoes until they were tender, then mashed them with butter, milk, and a touch of salt and pepper. The creamy potatoes were the perfect complement to the savory beef filling, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the filling and potatoes were ready, Agnes assembled the Shepherd's Pie in a large baking dish. She spread the beef filling evenly on the bottom, then topped it with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. With a deft hand, she used a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the potatoes, then sprinkled a bit of grated cheese on top for good measure.

As we waited for the pie to bake in the oven, Agnes regaled me with stories of how she had learned to make Shepherd's Pie from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations of their family. She spoke fondly of the memories she had of cooking with her grandmother in their cozy kitchen, and I could see the love and pride in her eyes as she shared her family's culinary traditions with me.

When the Shepherd's Pie was finally ready, we sat down at Agnes's kitchen table to enjoy our meal. The golden crust of the pie crackled under my fork, revealing the steaming layers of beef and potatoes beneath. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect blend of savory and creamy that warmed me to my core.

As I savored each bite, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Agnes and carry on the tradition of making Shepherd's Pie with Beef. The recipe was more than just a dish to me now—it was a connection to the past, a link to the generations of cooks who had come before me and passed down their knowledge and love through the simple act of preparing a meal.

And so, whenever I make Shepherd's Pie with Beef now, I think of Agnes and her grandmother, and I feel their presence in my kitchen as I mix the savory beef filling and spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top. I am grateful for the gift of their recipe, and I hope to pass it on to future generations, just as they did for me. For in the act of cooking and sharing a meal, we honor the past and create new memories that will last a lifetime.