Healthy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Lightening Up a Traditional Dish

Shepherd’s Pie – This is perfect for your loved ones.

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Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is said to have originated in Scotland and was originally made with leftover roasted meat that was minced and mixed with vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes. Today, the recipe has evolved, and ground beef is often used instead of leftover meat. This recipe is a classic and easy-to-follow version of Shepherd’s pie that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients For Making Shepherd’s Pie

For the filling:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• Salt, to taste

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions On How To Make A Good Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
4. Add the tomato paste and flour to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is well combined.
5. Add the red wine, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, and beef stock to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
6. Add the frozen green peas to the pan, stirring to combine. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
7. While the filling is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
8. Add the heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper to the pot with the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until they are smooth and creamy.
9. Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, smoothing them out with a spoon or spatula.
10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
11. Bake the Shepherd’s pie in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
12. Let the Shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips For Making A Delicious Shepherd’s Pie

• You can use any type of ground meat you prefer in this recipe, such as lamb or turkey.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, you can use a meat substitute, such as soy crumbles, instead of ground beef.
• You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the Shepherd’s pie.
• Leftover Shepherd’s pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat leftover Shepherd’s pie, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Shepherd’s pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste preferences. For example, you can add different vegetables, such as mushrooms or sweet potatoes, to the filling. You can also add different spices or herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to give the dish a unique flavor.
• In addition to being delicious, Shepherd’s pie is also a nutritious meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. It’s a great meal to make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator or freezer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• If you’re looking for a dish that will warm you up on a cold winter day or provide comfort when you’re feeling down, Shepherd’s pie is the perfect choice. It’s a classic dish that is easy to make, flavorful, and filling. So, next time you’re in the mood for a hearty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try and enjoy!

Benefits Of Eating This Shepherd’s Pie

It is a classic dish that originated in the United Kingdom and is made with a meat filling, usually lamb, topped with mashed potatoes. Here are some potential benefits of eating this recipe:

• Good source of protein: It is typically made with lamb, which is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• High in fiber: Shepherd’s pie can be made with vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions, which are all high in fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help reduce the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals: Vegetables used in the filling of shepherd’s pie can provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Provides energy: The potatoes used in shepherd’s pie are a good source of carbohydrates, which can provide the body with energy.
• Comfort food: Shepherd’s pie is a comforting dish that can help improve mood and reduce stress levels. Eating a warm, hearty meal can be soothing and satisfying, and may improve overall well-being.