Savory Shepherd's Pie
Discover the delightful harmony of flavors in this Savory Shepherd's Pie. A nostalgic dish that seamlessly brings together perfectly seasoned lean ground beef, mixed with wholesome green beans, and enriched by the tangy warmth of tomato soup. This comforting base is topped by creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this updated version of a cherished classic will surprise and satisfy your palate. Serve with a side of crusty buttered bread for a complete and gratifying meal that will bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
tomato soup
10 3/4 oz (canned)
green beans
15 oz (drained)
potatoes
5 large (mashed)
milk
as needed (for mashing potatoes)
butter
2 tablespoons (for mashing potatoes)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Peel and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain excess fat.
4
Add the tomato soup and drained green beans to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and heat through. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
5
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
7
Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned.
8
For easier cleanup, place a baking sheet under the casserole dish to catch any drips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in Savory Shepherd's Pie?
The recipe uses one pound of lean ground beef, browned with chopped onions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Shepherd's Pie recipe makes 6 servings.
What provides the unique tangy warmth in the filling?
The filling is enriched by a 10 3/4 oz can of tomato soup which adds flavor and moisture.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the diced potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the assembled dish for 30 minutes until the potato topping is lightly browned.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
What kind of vegetables are included in this Shepherd's Pie?
The recipe includes chopped onion and 15 ounces of drained green beans.
How are the potatoes prepared for the topping?
Five large potatoes are peeled, diced, boiled, and then mashed with milk and butter until smooth.
Should the green beans be drained before adding to the beef?
Yes, the 15 oz of green beans should be drained before being stirred into the beef mixture.
What can I do to make cleanup easier after baking?
Place a baking sheet under the casserole dish in the oven to catch any potential drips.
What side dish is recommended for this meal?
Serving the Shepherd's Pie with a side of crusty buttered bread is highly recommended.
How much butter is used in the mashed potato topping?
Two tablespoons of butter are added to the potatoes during the mashing process.
Can I substitute the ground beef with ground lamb?
Yes, while this recipe uses beef (making it technically a Cottage Pie), ground lamb is a traditional alternative for Shepherd's Pie.
How do I know when the beef is ready for the filling?
Cook the beef and onion in a skillet until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, then drain the excess fat.
Are there any specific seasonings required?
The recipe calls for salt and pepper to taste for both the potatoes and the beef mixture.
What is the texture of the potato topping?
The topping should be smooth and creamy, then baked until golden and slightly crisp on top.
Is this considered a quick preparation meal?
Yes, the recipe is tagged for 'quick preparation' and an 'easy meal,' making it perfect for family dinners.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute with frozen green beans, though they should be thawed or cooked through as per the recipe instructions.
Is the onion cooked separately from the beef?
No, the chopped onion is cooked in the skillet at the same time as the lean ground beef.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The recipe ID is 'savory-shepherds-pie'.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of an onion, chopped.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions state to peel and dice the potatoes before boiling.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, a casserole, and a traditional family dinner dish.
How is the soup incorporated?
The tomato soup is stirred directly into the skillet with the browned beef and green beans before being transferred to the casserole dish.
Can I add cheese to the top?
While not in the original ingredients, adding shredded cheese to the potato topping is a popular variation for extra flavor.
How much milk should I add to the potatoes?
The recipe suggests adding milk 'as needed' to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency during mashing.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining the excess fat after browning the beef and onions for a better final texture.
What makes this an 'updated version' of a classic?
This version is updated with the addition of tomato soup, which provides a unique flavor profile compared to standard gravy.
Can I prepare the mashed potatoes in advance?
Yes, the potatoes can be mashed ahead of time, which helps speed up the assembly process.