Little Old Ladies Go CRAZY For This Recipe

There are dishes that merely feed us, and then there are culinary concoctions that have us tapping into nostalgia, revelling in a warm, comforting hug. Today, we’re uncovering the recipe for a comfort food classic that even little old ladies are going gaga for – the classic Shepherd’s Pie! 🥧

While the name Shepherd’s Pie might suggest a sweet pastry, don’t be fooled. This English-origin delicacy is a savory meat and potato dish that could turn any dreary day into a gastronomical delight. This pie doesn’t just shepherd your taste buds; it practically herds them! 🐑

The pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, but we know that age-old conventions sometimes need a bit of a twist, and so our recipe calls for ground beef instead. After all, why should lamb have all the fun, right? 🐄

Ingredients 🍽️

The real secret to this recipe is simple – just top-quality ingredients. The pie filling requires ground beef, onion, carrot, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and for that extra comforting depth, a splash of red wine. The topping, on the other hand, is a creamy blend of potatoes, milk, butter, and an egg yolk for added richness. 🥕🍷

Tip: For the best results, choose a red wine that you would also enjoy drinking. The wine adds depth and richness to the dish, and using one you like will enhance the flavor even more. 🍷

Cooking Method 🔥

Making a Shepherd’s Pie might sound intimidating, but trust us, it’s as easy as pie! First, cook up your meaty filling with all its aromatic buddies until it forms a beautiful, thick sauce. While that’s simmering, prepare your creamy mashed potato topping. The final step is assembling your pie in a dish, layering the meaty goodness at the bottom, followed by a generous layer of mashed potatoes on top. Bake until golden and bubbling, and voila! Your crowd-pleasing comfort food is ready. 🍴

Tip: For a crisp, golden crust, brush the mashed potato topping with an egg wash before baking. This gives the pie a beautiful color and adds a delicious crunch. 🥔🥚

Remember, though, don’t be tempted to rush the cooking process. The magic of the Shepherd’s Pie lies in the slow simmering that allows the flavors to marry and deepen. So, let it take its time, because as they say, the best things in life are worth waiting for. 🕰️

Tip: Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for meal prepping as it freezes and reheats well. Make a big batch and have it on hand for those days when you need a hearty, comforting meal. ❄️

Shepherd’s Pie

Course: DinnerCuisine: English

Servings

6

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

400

kcal

A comforting and delicious classic that even the little old ladies go crazy for!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 cup peas

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 cup red wine

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 egg yolk

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
• Add the onion, carrot, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine. Simmer for 30 minutes until thick.
• Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with the milk, butter, and egg yolk.
• Spoon the meat mixture into a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes.
• Bake for 30 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the pie is bubbling.
• Serve warm.
• Enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute the red wine with more beef broth.
• This dish freezes well. Cool completely before covering and freezing.

FAQs 🤔

Q: Can I substitute the ground beef?
A: Yes, traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, but you could also use ground turkey or chicken.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for making ahead and freezing. Just reheat in the oven before serving.

Q: What can I serve with Shepherd’s Pie?
A: While Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a simple salad or some crusty bread.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Of course! Simply replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or a mixture of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils.