Maurice's Hearty Comfort Shepherd's Pie
Experience a delightful twist on the traditional Shepherd's Pie with Maurice's Hearty Comfort version. Originating from the classic English recipe, this comforting dish is reinvigorated with seasoned hamburger and a colorful mix of vegetables, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Great for family gatherings or a satisfying dinner after a long day, this version holds a special place in Maurice's heart, reminiscing about family dinners where it was fondly referred to as 'French Dish.' Serve warm, and watch your loved ones relish each hearty bite!
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
hamburger
1 lb (ground beef)
mixed vegetables
2 cups (e.g., Birds Eye Normandy or California mix, chopped if fresh)
onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
tomato
1 medium (chopped)
mashed potatoes
2 cups (prepared from instant or fresh potatoes)
butter
1/4 cup (cut into thin slices)
ground black pepper
1 tsp (divided)
paprika
1/4 tsp (for garnish)
ground ginger
1/4 tsp (for flavor)
minced garlic
2 tbsp (divided)
light soy sauce
2 tbsp (to enhance flavor)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp (for depth of flavor)
olive oil
2 tbsp (for cooking)
spray olive oil
1/4 oz (for greasing the pan)
Accent seasoning
1/2 tsp (or salt, to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the mashed potatoes. If using instant, follow package instructions and set aside. If using fresh potatoes, peel, boil, and mash them until smooth. Set aside.
2
Chop the 1/2 medium onion and 1 medium tomato into bite-sized pieces. For your 2 cups of vegetables, you can use a frozen mix like Birds Eye Normandy or California. Rinse under cold water, and chop any larger pieces as needed. If using fresh vegetables, peel and cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces.
3
In a sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of Creole seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of Accent or salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are not fully cooked. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
4
In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of olive oil on high heat. Add the hamburger, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of Creole seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of Accent. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Once browned but not fully cooked, transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a glass casserole dish, approximately 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 3 inches, with olive oil.
6
Spread 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish to create a base layer.
7
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables and hamburger, adding in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to blend the flavors.
8
Layer the meat and vegetable mixture over the mashed potato base, pressing lightly with a spatula to level it.
9
Top the vegetable and meat layer with the remaining mashed potatoes. To prevent sticking, wet a rubber spatula and smooth the potatoes evenly on top.
10
Sprinkle the top lightly with paprika. Cut the cold butter into thin slices and distribute them evenly over the mashed potato layer. Finish by spraying a thin layer of olive oil over the top.
11
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. Monitor the dish, looking for a light golden brown color on the top. If it begins to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil. In the last 5 minutes, switch the setting to broil to achieve a crispy topping, removing any foil beforehand.
12
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for 7-10 minutes before serving.
13
Sit down and enjoy this heartwarming dish surrounded by family and friends, celebrating the good times together!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maurice's Hearty Comfort Shepherd's Pie?
It is a delightful twist on traditional English Shepherd's Pie, featuring seasoned hamburger, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
What meat is used in Maurice's version of Shepherd's Pie?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of hamburger (ground beef).
What is the 'French Dish' reference?
In Maurice's family, this comforting dish was fondly referred to as 'French Dish' during family dinners.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use mashed potatoes prepared from either instant flakes or fresh potatoes.
What kind of vegetable mix is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 2-cup frozen mix like Birds Eye Normandy or California, or fresh bite-sized vegetables.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do you sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes to ensure they are not fully cooked before baking.
What seasonings are used for the vegetable sauté?
The vegetables are seasoned with minced garlic, Creole seasoning, and Accent or salt.
How long should the hamburger be cooked on the stove?
The hamburger should be sautéed for about 2 minutes on high heat until browned but not fully cooked.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A glass casserole dish measuring approximately 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 3 inches is recommended.
How is the bottom layer of the casserole prepared?
Spread 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of the greased casserole dish to create a base layer.
What liquid seasonings are mixed with the meat and vegetables?
The meat and vegetables are mixed with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Is there a specific spice used for flavor in the meat mixture?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger is added to the meat and vegetable mixture for depth of flavor.
How do you prevent mashed potatoes from sticking to the spatula?
Wet a rubber spatula before smoothing the potatoes over the meat and vegetable layer.
What is sprinkled on top for garnish?
The top of the mashed potatoes is sprinkled lightly with paprika.
How is butter used in this recipe?
1/4 cup of cold butter is cut into thin slices and distributed evenly over the mashed potato layer.
What is the total baking time?
The dish should be placed in the oven for a total of 30 minutes.
What should I do if the top browns too quickly?
If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
How do you get a crispy topping on the Shepherd's Pie?
In the last 5 minutes of baking, switch the oven setting to broil to achieve a crispy topping.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Let the Shepherd's Pie cool for 7 to 10 minutes before serving.
How much garlic is required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, divided between the vegetable and meat preparations.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses olive oil for sautéing and spray olive oil for the dish and topping.
What is Accent seasoning?
Accent is a flavor enhancer used in this recipe, though salt can be used as a substitute.
How should the onion and tomato be prepared?
The 1/2 medium onion and 1 medium tomato should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, divided during the cooking process.
What should be done with large frozen vegetable pieces?
Rinse them under cold water and chop any larger pieces into uniform bite-sized portions.
Is the hamburger fully cooked before entering the oven?
No, the hamburger is sautéed for only 2 minutes to brown it, and it finishes cooking in the oven.
What is the purpose of the bottom potato layer?
The bottom layer of mashed potatoes creates a stable base for the meat and vegetable mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a great dish for family gatherings or a satisfying dinner after a long day.