Classic Aussie Shepherd's Pie
This Classic Aussie Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by a cherished recipe I discovered during my time in Brisbane. It's a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, grated carrots, and the rich flavors of Worcestershire sauce, all topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes. This dish not only warms the heart but also fills the stomach – making it an ideal one-dish meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you're enjoying a generous slice for lunch the next day or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite just like it has for mine. Feel free to prepare a double batch and freeze one to savor later!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6 (medium, cooked and mashed)
Ground beef
600 g (fresh)
Onion
1 (small, chopped)
Carrot
1 (large, grated)
Chicken stock cube
1 (for flavor)
Ketchup
2 tablespoons (for sweetness and depth)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Soy sauce
1 teaspoon (for umami flavor)
Water
2/3 cup (to combine the mixture)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and grated carrot over medium heat, stirring frequently until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the chicken stock cube, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and water to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
3
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture appears too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it, stirring until smooth.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Transfer the beef mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly on the bottom. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy.
7
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Classic Aussie Shepherd's Pie!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Aussie Shepherd's Pie?
It is a comforting Australian-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef and grated carrots topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 600 grams of fresh ground beef.
How many potatoes are needed for the topping?
You will need 6 medium potatoes, which should be cooked and mashed before topping the pie.
What vegetables are included in the beef mixture?
The beef mixture includes one small chopped onion and one large grated carrot.
What gives the Aussie Shepherd's Pie its unique flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of a chicken stock cube, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the Shepherd's Pie need to bake?
It should bake for 30 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy.
Can I freeze Classic Aussie Shepherd's Pie?
Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly. You can prepare a double batch and freeze one for later.
How do I thicken the meat mixture if it is too wet?
If the mixture appears too wet after simmering, you can add a tablespoon of flour and stir until smooth to thicken it.
What is the first step in preparing the meat filling?
The first step is to cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and grated carrot in a large saucepan over medium heat until the beef is browned.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef, onion, and carrot.
How much water is added to the meat mixture?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of water to help combine the mixture.
What is the purpose of adding soy sauce?
One teaspoon of soy sauce is added to provide a rich umami flavor to the beef filling.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for seasoning.
Does the recipe use ketchup?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of ketchup are used to add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How do I assemble the pie?
Transfer the beef mixture into a casserole dish and spread it evenly, then spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth them out.
Is this a good meal for leftovers?
Yes, it is excellent for lunch the next day and stays flavorful when reheated.
What type of stock cube is used?
A chicken stock cube is used to enhance the flavor of the beef mixture.
Can I use different vegetables in this Shepherd's Pie?
While this classic version uses onions and carrots, you can customize it by adding other vegetables like peas or corn.
What makes this dish a 'one-dish meal'?
It combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates (potatoes) into a single casserole dish, making it a complete meal.
How should I prepare the carrot?
The carrot should be grated before being cooked with the beef and onion.
How do I know when the pie is finished cooking?
The pie is ready when the potato topping is golden and has a slightly crispy texture.
Should the potatoes be hot when mashed?
Yes, for the best results, mash the potatoes while they are fresh and warm to ensure a creamy topping.
How do I smooth the mashed potatoes?
You can use a spatula or the back of a large spoon to even out the potato layer over the meat.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a version discovered in Brisbane, Australia.
Is it necessary to cool the pie before serving?
It is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Can I use beef stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, while the recipe specifies a chicken stock cube, a beef stock cube would also work well with the ground beef.
What size onion is required?
One small onion is sufficient for this recipe.
Is there a specific way to stir the meat?
Stir frequently while browning to ensure the beef, onions, and carrots cook evenly and don't stick.