Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless comfort food that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. This classic dish features a savory ground beef filling simmered with vegetables and seasonings, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a satisfying meal to serve guests, Shepherd’s Pie is a versatile and delicious choice. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this comforting classic from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
• ¾ cup Heinz® Tomato Juice
• 2 tablespoons Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas and carrots)
• 3 cups cooked, warm, mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup warm milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
3. Cook the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 8 minutes.
4. Thicken the Filling: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the filling.
5. Add Sauces and Vegetables: Stir in the Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Heinz Tomato Juice, Heinz Worcestershire Sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Mix in Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots) to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Mash Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the cooked, warm mashed potatoes with butter, minced garlic, and warm milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Layer the Filling: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep pie dish.
2. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, spreading them evenly to cover the filling. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top, if desired.

5. Bake:

Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

6. Serve:

Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cook’s Notes:

• Meat Options: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, but you can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.
• Potato Topping: For extra flavor, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Make-Ahead: Shepherd’s Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Variations:

1. Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese between the beef mixture and mashed potatoes for a cheesy twist.
2. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
3. Sweet Potato Topping: Replace the mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and nutritious variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
   • Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Simply chop them into small pieces and cook them until tender before adding to the beef mixture.
2. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply place it in the preheated oven and bake as directed.
3. Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
   • Absolutely! Assemble the pie and allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
   • Ensure the potatoes are warm when mashing and gradually add warm milk until the desired consistency is reached. You can also add a bit more butter for extra creaminess.
5. What side dishes go well with Shepherd’s Pie?
   • Shepherd’s Pie pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens like broccoli or green beans.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its flavorful meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with the various customization options, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy making and savoring this timeless favorite!