Mediterranean Comfort Shepherd's Pie
This Mediterranean Comfort Shepherd's Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dish, brought to you by a family friend whose travels have inspired its rich flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy feta cheese topped with fluffy mashed potatoes creates an irresistible comfort food experience. Accompany this heartwarming pie with a refreshing small salad and seasonal fresh fruit for a balanced meal that will leave your family asking for seconds. Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option, and don’t worry if you can't find roasted red pepper tomato sauce — a mix of regular tomato sauce and marinated sweet red peppers will work just as well. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep, providing generous servings of wholesome goodness.
N/A
Servings
312.5
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
zucchini
2 medium (thinly sliced)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
tomato sauce with roasted red pepper
25 oz (prepared)
Greek seasoning
3.5 teaspoons (divided)
mashed potatoes
2.5 cups (prepared)
feta cheese
4 oz (crumbled)
grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the tomato sauce and 3 teaspoons of Greek seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to warm through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a lightly greased 3-quart round baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Greek seasoning, crumbled feta cheese, grated lemon rind, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until well incorporated and creamy.
6
Evenly spoon the potato mixture over the beef and vegetable layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
7
Bake the shepherd's pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your Mediterranean Comfort Shepherd's Pie.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Comfort Shepherd's Pie?
It is a twist on the classic shepherd's pie featuring seasoned ground beef, zucchini, Greek seasoning, and a creamy feta-infused mashed potato topping.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef, cooked and drained.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes two medium thinly sliced zucchinis, one medium chopped onion, and three minced garlic cloves.
What kind of sauce is used for the meat mixture?
The recipe uses 25 ounces of tomato sauce with roasted red pepper.
What if I can't find roasted red pepper tomato sauce?
You can use a mix of regular tomato sauce and marinated sweet red peppers as a substitute.
How much Greek seasoning do I need?
A total of 3.5 teaspoons of Greek seasoning is required, divided between the meat and the potatoes.
How is the Greek seasoning divided in the recipe?
Use 3 teaspoons for the meat and vegetable mixture and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon for the mashed potato topping.
What is in the mashed potato topping?
The topping consists of 2.5 cups of mashed potatoes mixed with feta cheese, Greek seasoning, lemon rind, and lemon juice.
What type of cheese is used in this shepherd's pie?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese mixed into the potato topping.
Are there citrus ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of fresh grated lemon rind and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a lightly greased 3-quart round baking dish.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the shepherd's pie need to bake?
Bake the dish for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 312.5 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The dish provides approximately 18.75g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 primary ingredients.
Do I need to cook the beef before baking?
Yes, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the grease before adding it to the baking dish.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the zucchini, onion, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until tender and fragrant.
Should the mashed potatoes be prepared beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires 2.5 cups of prepared mashed potatoes.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this with a small refreshing salad and seasonal fresh fruit.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep.
What is the origin of this recipe's flavors?
The flavors were inspired by the travels of a family friend.
How do I ensure the potato topping is creamy?
Mix the mashed potatoes with the feta, lemon, and seasoning until well incorporated and creamy before spreading.
Should I let the pie rest after baking?
Yes, let it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this recipe considered a casserole?
Yes, it is tagged as both a savory pie and a casserole.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The three garlic cloves should be minced before cooking with the other vegetables.
What makes this 'Mediterranean'?
The use of zucchini, Greek seasoning, feta cheese, and lemon gives it its Mediterranean profile.