If it’s cold outside in your neck of the woods, and your fridge and pantry are stocked with mere budget-friendly grocery staples, this is what you should make tonight for dinner. It’s not fancy, or completely authentic (without the lamb), but boy, is it satisfying and easy on the budget. Double or triple the recipe, and make several pans in one afternoon. One to serve, one to freeze, and one to give to your quiet neighbor across the way. Shepherd’s Pie is always greeted with warmth and welcome.
Shepherd’s Pie
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sour cream
a bit of milk for consistency
salt and pepper to taste
5 carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup beef broth
5 cups frozen peas/veggies, thawed
a couple squirts of worchestershire sauce
dash of oregano, dash of thyme, dash garlic powder, etc.
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, sour cream, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash or puree in blender, and set aside. Preheat oven to 375F.
Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Skim off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
Add ketchup, beef broth, worchestershire sauce, and mixed veggies. Add spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the ground beef mixture in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish.
Next, spread a layer of mashed carrots.
Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Yum, haven’t made shepherd’s pie in a while…thanks for the reminder and the recipe!
Abby, I’m sure you’d come up with some fun way to make it “your own.”
Mmm… This looks really good. I did a mini online search on Shepherd’s Pie to compare different recipes, and did not find another that contains the layer of mashed carrot. I imagine it boosts the flavor and nutrients quite a bit?
I love it with the carrot layer: 1) presentation! 2) there’s a natural sweetness to it that’s so yummy…it feels healthier! I’ve seen parsnips too!
Made it.
Loved it.
Will make again!
Thanks so much. I stayed with your recipe for the most part, with things that I had at hand. Because we are Chinese, I could not resist fusion-izing it with dashes of soy sauce in the meat. =) I loved the carrot layer, really rounded the flavors. Carrot tastes so yummy when mashed! Who knew?!
Seda, I must tell you that I make my meatloaf with fresh ginger, shredded carrots, and soy sauce. I’m totally with you on Asian-fusionizing things!
hi Ruth, i found you through Christian at modobject. I made your shepherd’s pie tonight and my husband and I could not stop eating it! Amazing recipe. Thanks.
Sarah, I’m so glad you enjoyed your Shepherd’s Pie!