Rustic Italian Shepherd's Pie with Spiced Veal
Experience a delightful twist on a traditional classic with this Rustic Italian Shepherd's Pie featuring a savory mixture of ground veal and spicy Italian sausages. Infused with the vibrant flavors of red, green, and orange bell peppers, as well as aromatic garlic and oregano, this dish creates a robust and hearty meal. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a crunchy breadcrumb finish, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish serves six and is sure to please everyone at your table.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
8 big (diced)
Salt
to taste (for cooking and seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Olive oil or Butter
1/4 cup (for mashing potatoes)
Onion
1 small (diced)
Hot Italian sausages
3 (casings removed)
Ground veal
1 lb (for mixing with sausage)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing vegetables)
Red bell pepper
1 (diced)
Green bell pepper
1 (diced)
Orange bell pepper
1 (diced)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with the olive oil or butter, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3
Remove the casings from the hot Italian sausages and combine them with the ground veal in a mixing bowl. Mix well until fully combined.
4
In a non-stick frying pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and orange bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, then season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Remove the mixture from the pan and transfer it to a bowl.
5
In the same frying pan, cook the seasoned veal and sausage mixture over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
6
In a greased rectangular baking dish, layer the cooked meat mixture evenly at the bottom. Top the meat with the sautéed peppers and onion mixture, followed by a generous layer of the creamy mashed potatoes. Smooth the mashed potatoes with a spatula, then sprinkle the Italian breadcrumbs evenly on top.
7
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
8
Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
47g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Shepherd's Pie with Spiced Veal?
It is a delightful twist on a traditional classic featuring a savory mixture of ground veal and spicy Italian sausages topped with creamy mashed potatoes and breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves six people, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
What meat is used in this Shepherd's Pie?
The dish uses a combination of one pound of ground veal and three hot Italian sausages with the casings removed.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for eight big potatoes that are diced and boiled until fork-tender.
How do I prepare the potato topping?
Mash the boiled potatoes with 1/4 cup of olive oil or butter, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes a small diced onion, one red bell pepper, one green bell pepper, and one orange bell pepper.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The diced potatoes should be cooked in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes, then add garlic for an additional minute.
What order should the layers be assembled in?
Layer the meat mixture at the bottom, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions, then the mashed potatoes, and finally the breadcrumbs.
How long does the Shepherd's Pie take to bake?
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
What type of breadcrumbs are used for the topping?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of Italian breadcrumbs sprinkled evenly over the mashed potatoes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of this pie?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 47 grams of carbohydrates.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the pan after cooking the veal and sausage mixture.
Why should I let the dish rest after baking?
Letting the dish rest for a few minutes allows the layers to set properly before serving.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil for the potatoes?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of olive oil or 1/4 cup of butter for mashing the potatoes.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of canola oil to sauté the onions and peppers.
Are the sausages supposed to be spicy?
The recipe specifies hot Italian sausages to give the dish a spicy kick.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need two cloves of garlic, minced.
What size onion is required?
The recipe suggests using one small onion, diced.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is tagged as both a baked dish and a casserole.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A greased rectangular baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many different bell peppers are used?
Three different bell peppers are used: one red, one green, and one orange.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at your table.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, the specific fiber and sugar counts are not provided in the recipe data.
Can I substitute the ground veal?
While the recipe specifies ground veal for its unique flavor, you could likely substitute with ground beef if veal is unavailable.