Shepherd’s Pie: A Classic Comfort Dish
Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless culinary delight that never fails to evoke smiles! Picture a luscious, flavorful filling enveloped in creamy mashed potatoes, crowned with a golden cheese crust…
Now, let’s address the spelling upfront: it’s Shepherd’s Pie. However, a quick Google search reveals a common misconception—many folks spell it as Shepards Pie.
Originating from the UK and Ireland, Shepherd’s Pie is a quintessential comfort food comprising creamy mashed potatoes layered atop a hearty stew. While traditionally made with lamb, its American counterpart, often referred to as cottage pie, typically features beef. While the original recipe utilized leftover stew, contemporary adaptations often incorporate ground meat for convenience.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb browned and seasoned ground beef
- 2 cups hot mashed potatoes
- ½ package cream cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups thawed frozen vegetables
- 1 cup jarred beef gravy
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Mix mashed potatoes, cream cheese, garlic, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Combine mixed vegetables, gravy, and meat.
- Transfer vegetable, meat, and gravy mixture into a 9″ square baking dish.
- Cover vegetable mixture with the mashed potato mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the potatoes.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Substitutions and Additions:
Potatoes: Red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes can be used. For convenience, instant mashed potatoes or store-bought mashed potatoes are viable options. Sweet potato mash adds a unique twist.
Meat: Ground lamb or leftover pot roast can be utilized as alternatives to ground beef.
Veggies: Mushrooms can be added, and the choice of frozen or fresh vegetables can be tailored to personal preference.
Cheese: For cheese enthusiasts, adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes, or even just to half of the dish, enhances the flavor profile.