Hearty Shepherd's Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting Shepherd's Pie, a classic dish reimagined with healthier ingredients! This recipe combines savory ground meat with a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich sauce and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. While fresh rosemary adds a delightful herbaceous note, feel free to adjust it to your preference. For convenience, instant mashed potatoes can be used without sacrificing flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, serving as a healthy comfort food option that feels indulgent without the guilt. Enjoy a satisfying plateful that brings everyone together!
6
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
3 large (peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
fat free sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
reduced-calorie margarine
1 tablespoon (none)
table salt
to taste (none)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
carrots
2 medium (chopped)
celery ribs
2 medium (chopped)
ground round or turkey
1 lb (none)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (none)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (chopped)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
salt & pepper
to taste (none)
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large saucepan, place the peeled and chopped potatoes, ensuring they're covered with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes, transfer them to a large bowl, and add the fat-free sour cream and reduced-calorie margarine. Mash until smooth and season with table salt to taste. Set aside.
3
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the ground round or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5
Once the meat is browned, sprinkle in the flour, fresh rosemary, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to coat the meat and vegetables.
6
Slowly add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
7
Transfer the meat mixture into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, spreading it evenly.
8
Take the prepared mashed potatoes and spread them over the meat mixture. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls on top.
9
Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and slightly crispy.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm. Enjoy your wholesome Shepherd's Pie!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
50g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Shepherd's Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
It is a classic comfort dish reimagined with healthier ingredients, combining savory ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
What meat can I use for this recipe?
You can use either ground round or ground turkey depending on your preference.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, carrots, and celery ribs.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake?
The Shepherd's Pie should bake for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are golden.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience without sacrificing the flavor of the dish.
How do I make the potato topping creamy?
The boiled potatoes are mashed with fat-free sour cream and reduced-calorie margarine for a creamy texture.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for fresh rosemary and dried thyme to provide a savory flavor.
How do I thicken the meat mixture?
Stir in all-purpose flour and then slowly add chicken broth, simmering until the mixture thickens slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is perfect for family dinners and meal prep as a healthy comfort food option.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 10g of fat in each serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9-inch deep-dish pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch pieces before boiling.
How long should the potatoes boil?
Simmer the potatoes for about 10 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
What type of oil is used for cooking the vegetables?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil to sauté the onion, carrots, and celery.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 50g of carbohydrates.
How do I create the decorative top?
Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls on the mashed potato layer before baking.
Is fresh rosemary required?
Fresh rosemary adds a great note, but you can adjust the amount to your preference or substitute if needed.
What broth should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of chicken broth for the filling.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy.
Should I let the pie cool before serving?
Yes, let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set slightly.
Is this a heavy meal?
It is a wholesome and healthy version of shepherd's pie that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
What type of sour cream is used?
The recipe recommends using fat-free sour cream to keep the dish lighter.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What kind of margarine is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of reduced-calorie margarine.
Are the potatoes peeled?
Yes, the 3 large potatoes should be peeled and chopped.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, table salt and pepper are added to both the potato topping and the meat mixture to taste.