Classic Shepherd's Pie with Carrots
Indulge in the rich flavors of this comforting Classic Shepherd's Pie, a beloved British dish that warms the soul. Made with succulent beef mince and tender carrots, all stewed to perfection and then topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is a childhood favorite that's just as satisfying today. Whether you're enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it up for family gatherings, it's the kind of meal that brings everyone together. Pair it with boiled cabbage or sweet, fresh peas for a lovely balance, and don't forget the gravy! For those who appreciate variations, this dish can also be made with lamb mince, or transformed into Cottage Pie with a sprinkle of cheese, or Cumberland Pie with breadcrumbs and cheese. However, the classic shepherd's version is simply irresistible.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef mince
500 g (ground)
onion
1 large (chopped)
carrots
2 medium (chopped quite small)
beef stock cube
1 (crumbled)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
beef gravy granules
1 tablespoon (none)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
mixed herbs
1 teaspoon (none)
water
500 ml (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
potatoes
5 large (boiled and mashed with salt, pepper, butter, and milk)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef mince and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Incorporate the chopped onion halfway through cooking until softened.
2
Stir in the chopped carrots and crumble the beef stock cube into the mixture. Combine well and add the Worcestershire sauce and water, followed by the mixed herbs. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the carrots are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in the beef gravy granules and stir well to thicken the mixture further. If it looks too thick, add a splash more water for the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to an ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Prepare your mashed potatoes, adding salt, pepper, butter, and milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture, ensuring it is fully covered.
6
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the pie for about 30 minutes, or until the mash is golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
45 g
Carbs
23.75 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Shepherd's Pie?
The main protein used in this recipe is 500 grams of ground beef mince.
How many calories are in a serving of this Classic Shepherd's Pie?
There are 375 calories per serving.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes one large chopped onion and two medium carrots chopped quite small.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the pie?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (400°F).
How long does the Shepherd's Pie need to bake?
The pie should be baked for about 30 minutes until the mashed potato topping is golden brown.
How many potatoes are required for the topping?
The recipe calls for 5 large potatoes to be boiled and mashed.
What ingredients are added to the mashed potatoes for creaminess?
The potatoes are mashed with salt, pepper, butter, and milk.
What is the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie according to the description?
While the classic version uses beef or lamb, a Cottage Pie variation typically includes a sprinkle of cheese on top.
What makes a version a Cumberland Pie?
A Cumberland Pie is a variation that features breadcrumbs and cheese on top of the mash.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 23.75 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What liquid is used to create the stewed meat base?
The base is created using 500 ml of water combined with a crumbled beef stock cube and Worcestershire sauce.
How do you thicken the meat and carrot mixture?
The mixture is thickened by stirring in one tablespoon of beef gravy granules.
What kind of oil is recommended for browning the meat?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used for frying the beef mince.
How long should the meat and carrots simmer?
They should simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes until the liquid reduces and the carrots are tender.
What type of herbs are used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of mixed herbs is used to season the beef mixture.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It is recommended to serve the pie with boiled cabbage or sweet, fresh peas.
When should the onion be added to the pan?
The chopped onion should be incorporated halfway through browning the beef mince.
Can I use lamb instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions the dish can also be made with lamb mince.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 distinct ingredients listed for this Shepherd's Pie.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be chopped quite small to ensure they become tender during simmering.
What should I do if the meat mixture looks too thick?
If the mixture is too thick after adding gravy granules, you can add a splash more water to reach the desired consistency.
What type of dish is needed for the final baking step?
The meat and vegetable mixture should be transferred to an ovenproof dish.
Does this recipe include Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it uses one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How do you prepare the beef stock?
The beef stock cube is crumbled directly into the pan with the meat and carrots.
Is the mashed potato spread or piped onto the meat?
The instructions suggest spreading the mashed potatoes over the top until the meat is fully covered.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is described as a rich, comforting, and hearty British classic.
Should the pie cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the pie to cool slightly before serving it.
What is the total amount of water used?
The recipe calls for 500 ml of water.
What seasoning is used for the meat besides herbs?
The meat is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.