Classic Shepherd's Pie
This Classic Shepherd's Pie is a hearty, traditional British dish that combines a savory meat filling with a creamy, buttery potato topping. Perfect for a family lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe features seasoned minced beef cooked with aromatic onions, delightful vegetables, and a rich beef stock, all crowned with a layer of fluffy mashed potatoes. Bake until golden and bubbly for a truly satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit with friends and family. Serve hot and enjoy the warm flavors of this comforting classic!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Floury potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and chopped)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Large onions
2 (thinly sliced)
Beef drippings
1 ounce (for frying)
Minced beef
2 lbs (fresh)
Flour
3 teaspoons (for thickening)
Strong beef stock
1/2 pint (for the filling)
Chopped tomatoes
14 ounces (canned, with juice)
Frozen vegetables
8 ounces (such as green beans)
Milk
1/4 pint (for mashed potatoes)
Butter
2 ounces (for mashed potatoes)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and chopping the floury potatoes into even chunks, then place them in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3
Thinly slice the large onions and set aside.
4
In a large frying pan, heat the beef drippings over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent, around 5 minutes.
5
Incorporate the minced beef into the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
6
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture, cooking for an additional minute while stirring to combine.
7
Gradually pour in the strong beef stock while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil.
8
Add the can of chopped tomatoes (including their juice), along with salt and pepper to taste and the frozen vegetables. Stir well and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
9
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy.
10
Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top.
11
Use a fork to create a textured surface on the mashed potatoes for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
38g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Shepherd's Pie?
It is a traditional British dish consisting of a savory minced beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 lbs of fresh minced beef.
What type of potatoes are best for the topping?
Floury potatoes are recommended as they mash well and provide a fluffy texture.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks before boiling them in salted water.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the pie.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potato chunks for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are tender.
What is used to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed in one ounce of beef drippings for extra flavor.
How many onions are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires two large onions, thinly sliced.
Why is flour added to the beef mixture?
Three teaspoons of flour are used as a thickening agent for the savory meat sauce.
What kind of stock is used for the filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 pint of strong beef stock to create a rich gravy.
Are tomatoes included in this Shepherd's Pie?
Yes, a 14-ounce can of chopped tomatoes, including the juice, is added to the filling.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of frozen vegetables, such as green beans.
How do I make the mashed potato topping creamy?
Mash the cooked potatoes with 1/4 pint of milk and 2 ounces of butter until smooth.
How long does the meat mixture simmer?
After adding the stock, tomatoes, and vegetables, allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
How do I get a crispy texture on the potato topping?
Use a fork to create a textured surface on the mashed potatoes before putting it in the oven.
How long should the Shepherd's Pie bake?
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 19 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 16 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered British cuisine?
Yes, Shepherd's Pie is a classic staple of traditional British cuisine.
What seasonings are used in the meat?
The filling is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use different vegetables?
While green beans are suggested, you can use any variety of frozen mixed vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What should the meat look like before adding flour?
The minced beef should be browned and no longer pink before you incorporate the flour.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using the chopped tomatoes along with their juice.
What is the final visual indicator that the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
What type of dish should I use for assembly?
Spoon the mixture into a standard casserole dish for baking.
How do I prepare the onions?
The large onions should be thinly sliced before being sautéed until translucent.
Can this dish be served for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a hearty, comforting meal perfect for a family lunch or cozy dinner.