Quick & Hearty Shepherd's Pie Deluxe
This Quick & Hearty Shepherd's Pie Deluxe is a comforting dish that brings together tender ground beef or lamb, fresh vegetables, and a creamy potato topping. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. The rich flavors from the hearty meat filling, combined with the smooth and buttery mashed potatoes, make this recipe perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep option for the week. Impress your loved ones with this homemade classic that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and cubed)
Sour Cream or Cream Cheese
2 tablespoons (softened)
Egg Yolk
1 large
Cream or Broth
1/2 cup (for lighter version, use vegetable or chicken broth)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (1 turn of the pan)
Ground Beef or Lamb
1 3/4 lbs
Carrot
1 (peeled and chopped)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Butter
2 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons
Beef Stock or Broth
1 cup
Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons (eyeball it)
Frozen Peas
1/2 cup (a couple of handfuls)
Sweet Paprika
1 teaspoon
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes, cooking until tender, about 12 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
2
2. In the bowl, combine the sour cream (or cream cheese), egg yolk, and cream (or broth). Mash the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency. Set aside.
3
3. While the potatoes are cooking, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the ground beef or lamb and season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat for about 3 to 4 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4
4. If using lamb, you may choose to skim off any excess fat at this point. Add the chopped carrot and onion to the meat and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5
5. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until it forms a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens, about 1 minute.
6
6. Pour the gravy over the meat and vegetables in the large skillet, mixing well to combine. Stir in the frozen peas and remove from heat.
7
7. Preheat your broiler to high. In a small rectangular casserole dish, layer the meat and vegetable mixture evenly. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle sweet paprika over the potatoes for added color and flavor.
8
8. Broil the casserole for 6 to 8 minutes, positioning it 6 to 8 inches away from the heat source, until the potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
9
9. Once broiling is complete, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Hearty Shepherd's Pie Deluxe?
It is a comforting dish featuring tender ground beef or lamb, fresh vegetables, and a creamy potato topping that can be made in about 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this shepherd's pie?
The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in approximately 30 minutes.
Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Yes, the recipe allows for either ground beef or ground lamb depending on your preference.
What is used to make the potato topping creamy?
The potatoes are mashed with sour cream (or cream cheese), an egg yolk, and cream (or broth) for a smooth consistency.
How can I make a lighter version of the potato topping?
You can use vegetable or chicken broth instead of cream to create a lighter version of the mashed potatoes.
What vegetables are included in the meat filling?
The filling includes chopped carrots, onions, and frozen peas.
How do I make the gravy for the pie?
The gravy is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in beef stock and Worcestershire sauce until thickened.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk in the potatoes?
The egg yolk adds richness and helps the potato topping brown and set when placed under the broiler.
What kind of oil should I use to brown the meat?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The cubed potatoes should be boiled in salted water for about 12 minutes until tender.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
If using lamb, it is recommended to skim off any excess fat after browning the meat.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
It is used to season the gravy and add a savory, umami depth to the meat mixture.
How do I achieve a golden brown crust on the potatoes?
Sprinkle the top with sweet paprika and broil the dish on high for 6 to 8 minutes.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A small rectangular casserole dish is ideal for layering the meat and potato mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as an excellent meal prep option for the week.
What should I use to garnish the finished dish?
Garnish the shepherd's pie with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How do I make the roux for the gravy?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for about 2 minutes.
At what temperature should I broil the casserole?
Set your broiler to high and position the dish 6 to 8 inches away from the heat source.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use softened cream cheese as an alternative to sour cream in the potato topping.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed.
What kind of paprika is used?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of sweet paprika for color and flavor.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas before adding them?
No, simply stir the frozen peas into the meat and gravy mixture before layering the dish; they will heat through during the process.
How much beef stock is needed for the gravy?
The recipe uses 1 cup of beef stock or broth.
How long do I cook the carrots and onions?
Sauté the vegetables with the meat for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe specifies ground beef or lamb, you could adapt it with other ground meats, though flavor profiles will change.
Is the beef stock added all at once?
No, it should be whisked in gradually to the roux to ensure a smooth, thickened gravy.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients used in this deluxe shepherd's pie recipe.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, the meat should be seasoned with salt and pepper during the browning process.
How do I smooth the potato topping?
Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer and use a spatula to smooth them out evenly.