Ultimate Shepherd's Pie Recipe with Juicy Ground Beef

Recipe for Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food dish that is made with ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. This recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef is easy to follow and can be made in under an hour.

Ingredients 1 pound ground beef 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup beef broth 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Salt and pepper to taste Instructions1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened.4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.5. Spread the meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.6. In a large bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth. Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture.7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the meat mixture is bubbling.

BenefitsShepherd’s pie is a nutritious and satisfying meal. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The ground beef provides protein and iron, while the vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. The mashed potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.

Tips Use a lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. Add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as peas, corn, or green beans. Use a variety of herbs and spices to flavor the dish. Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them before serving.* Top the shepherd’s pie with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking.

Shepherd’s pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that will warm you up on a cold night.

Essential Aspects of Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Shepherd’s pie is a classic dish with many variations. The essential aspects of shepherd’s pie with ground beef include:

Ground beef: The main ingredient of shepherd’s pie, providing protein and flavor.
Vegetables: Traditionally carrots, celery, and onions, adding nutrition and texture.
Sauce: Typically made with beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, adding moisture and flavor.
Mashed potatoes: The topping of shepherd’s pie, providing a creamy and flavorful contrast.
Baking: The method of cooking shepherd’s pie, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to brown.
Comfort food: Shepherd’s pie is often considered a comfort food, providing a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Versatility: Shepherd’s pie can be customized with different vegetables, meats, and seasonings, making it a versatile dish.
Freezability: Shepherd’s pie can be frozen for later, making it a convenient meal option.

These aspects come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Shepherd’s pie is a great way to use up leftover ground beef and vegetables, and it is also a budget-friendly meal. Whether you are looking for a comforting meal on a cold night or a hearty dish to feed a crowd, shepherd’s pie is a great choice.

Ground beef

Ground beef is the main ingredient of shepherd’s pie, providing both protein and flavor to the dish. It is typically browned before being simmered in a sauce made with vegetables, beef broth, and seasonings. The ground beef mixture is then topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.

The protein in ground beef is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It is also a good source of iron, which is necessary for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The flavor of ground beef adds depth and richness to shepherd’s pie, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes makes shepherd’s pie a and satisfying meal.

Here are some tips for making the best shepherd’s pie with ground beef:

Use a lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
Add other vegetables to the meat mixture, such as peas, corn, or green beans.
Use a variety of herbs and spices to flavor the dish.
Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
Top the shepherd’s pie with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking.

Shepherd’s pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that will warm you up on a cold night.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, and they play an important role in shepherd’s pie. The traditional vegetables used in shepherd’s pie are carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables add nutrition, flavor, and texture to the dish.

Nutrition: Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function. Celery is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and collagen production. Onions are a good source of quercetin, which is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Flavor: Carrots add a slightly sweet flavor to shepherd’s pie. Celery adds a subtle celery flavor to the dish. Onions add a savory flavor to shepherd’s pie.
Texture: Carrots add a bit of crunch to shepherd’s pie. Celery adds a bit of chewiness to the dish. Onions add a bit of softness to shepherd’s pie.

In addition to the traditional vegetables, other vegetables that can be added to shepherd’s pie include peas, corn, and green beans. These vegetables add additional nutrition and flavor to the dish.

Shepherd’s pie is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes makes shepherd’s pie a hearty and filling dish.

Sauce

The sauce is an essential component of shepherd’s pie, adding moisture, flavor, and depth to the dish. It is typically made with beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, but other ingredients can be added to taste, such as red wine, herbs, or spices.

Moisture: The sauce helps to keep the shepherd’s pie moist and prevents the meat from becoming dry and crumbly.
Example: If the sauce is too thin, the shepherd’s pie will be dry and lackluster. If the sauce is too thick, the shepherd’s pie will be heavy and stodgy.
Flavor: The sauce adds flavor to the shepherd’s pie, complementing the meat and vegetables.
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Example: The beef broth provides a rich, savory flavor, while the tomato paste adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. The Worcestershire sauce adds a umami flavor to the sauce.
Depth: The sauce adds depth to the shepherd’s pie, bringing all of the flavors together and creating a cohesive dish.
Example: The sauce helps to marry the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

The sauce is an important part of shepherd’s pie, and it is essential to get it right. By following the tips above, you can make a delicious and flavorful sauce that will take your shepherd’s pie to the next level.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are an essential part of shepherd’s pie, providing a creamy and flavorful contrast to the savory meat and vegetable filling. They are made by boiling potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, and seasonings. The resulting topping is smooth and creamy, with a rich flavor that complements the other elements of the dish.

Texture: Mashed potatoes provide a soft and creamy texture that contrasts with the firmer texture of the meat and vegetables. This contrast in texture makes shepherd’s pie a more enjoyable eating experience.
Flavor: Mashed potatoes have a mild flavor that allows the other ingredients in shepherd’s pie to shine through. However, they also add a subtle creaminess and richness to the dish.
Presentation: Mashed potatoes provide a visually appealing topping for shepherd’s pie. They can be piped or spread onto the filling, and then browned in the oven. This creates a golden brown crust that adds to the dish’s overall appeal.
Versatility: Mashed potatoes can be made with a variety of different ingredients, such as butter, milk, cream, sour cream, or yogurt. This makes them a versatile topping that can be customized to taste.

Mashed potatoes are a delicious and essential part of shepherd’s pie. They provide a creamy and flavorful contrast to the savory meat and vegetable filling, and they help to create a visually appealing dish. Whether you are making shepherd’s pie for a family meal or a special occasion, be sure to include mashed potatoes as the topping.

Baking

Baking is the final step in the preparation of shepherd’s pie, and it is essential for allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to brown. The baking process also helps to create a crispy crust on top of the shepherd’s pie, which adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

Flavor: Baking allows the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and sauce to meld together, creating a delicious and cohesive dish. The slow cooking process also helps to tenderize the meat and vegetables, making them more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.
Texture: Baking helps to create a crispy crust on top of the shepherd’s pie, which adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. The crispy crust also helps to keep the shepherd’s pie warm and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Appearance: Baking helps to brown the potatoes on top of the shepherd’s pie, giving it a visually appealing golden color. The browned potatoes also add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
Convenience: Baking is a convenient way to cook shepherd’s pie because it can be done in the oven while you are doing other things. This makes it a great dish for busy weeknights or for when you are entertaining guests.

Baking is an essential step in the preparation of shepherd’s pie, and it is important to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure that the dish turns out perfectly. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and flavorful shepherd’s pie that will impress your family and friends.

Comfort food

Shepherd’s pie, with its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a quintessential comfort food. This connection between shepherd’s pie and comfort can be explored through several key facets:

Familiarity and Tradition: Shepherd’s pie has a long history, with its roots in the British Isles. Over time, it has become a familiar and beloved dish, passed down through generations. The traditional flavors and textures of shepherd’s pie evoke memories of home and family, creating a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Nourishing Ingredients: Shepherd’s pie is made with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. These ingredients provide a sense of nourishment and satisfaction, contributing to the comfort food appeal of the dish.
Emotional Connection: Shepherd’s pie is often associated with childhood and family gatherings. The act of eating shepherd’s pie can trigger positive memories and emotions, providing a sense of comfort and well-being.
Sensory Experience: The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas in shepherd’s pie creates a multi-sensory experience that appeals to our senses. The savory meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy provide a comforting and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

These facets intertwine to create the comforting nature of shepherd’s pie. It is a dish that satisfies on multiple levels, providing a sense of familiarity, nourishment, emotional connection, and sensory pleasure. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or a solitary indulgence, shepherd’s pie offers a comforting and nostalgic experience that transports us to a place of warmth and contentment.

Versatility

The versatility of shepherd’s pie lies in its adaptability to diverse ingredients and flavors. This characteristic makes it a highly customizable dish, allowing home cooks and chefs to tailor it to their preferences and dietary needs.

The recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef provides a foundation upon which various modifications can be made. The ground beef can be substituted with other meats, such as lamb, pork, or turkey, to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Additionally, the recipe encourages the incorporation of different vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans, to add nutritional value and flavor variety.

The ability to customize shepherd’s pie extends to the seasonings and sauces used. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano can be added to enhance the flavor profile, while different types of gravy or sauces, such as a mushroom sauce or a red wine sauce, can be used to complement the dish.

The versatility of shepherd’s pie makes it a practical and convenient meal option. It allows home cooks to utilize ingredients they have on hand, reduce food waste, and cater to the preferences of different family members or guests. Furthermore, the customizable nature of the dish makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to special gatherings.

In conclusion, the versatility of shepherd’s pie, as highlighted in the recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef, is a key component of its enduring popularity. It empowers cooks to create unique and flavorful variations of the dish, ensuring that it remains a versatile and beloved culinary creation.

Freezability

The freezability of shepherd’s pie, as highlighted in the recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef, adds to its convenience and practicality. By exploring the connection between these two aspects, we delve into the advantages and implications of this feature:

Meal Preparation and Storage: The freezability of shepherd’s pie enables home cooks to prepare meals in advance and store them for later consumption. This can be particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families with hectic schedules. By freezing individual portions or the entire dish, home cooks can enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle of last-minute preparation.
Reduced Food Waste: Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and filling dish, and its freezability helps reduce food waste. If there are leftovers after a meal, they can be frozen and stored for future use, preventing spoilage and unnecessary discarding of food.
Time-Saving Convenience: Freezing shepherd’s pie eliminates the need for immediate consumption and allows for flexibility in meal planning. Home cooks can make a large batch of shepherd’s pie and freeze portions for later use. This saves time during busy weekdays or when unexpected guests arrive.
Reheating and Enjoyment: Frozen shepherd’s pie can be reheated in the oven or microwave, making it easy to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal. The reheating process does not significantly alter the flavor or texture of the dish, ensuring that home cooks can savor the same delicious taste they would with a freshly prepared shepherd’s pie.

In conclusion, the freezability of shepherd’s pie, as mentioned in the recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef, underscores its convenience and practicality. Home cooks can benefit from meal preparation flexibility, reduced food waste, time-saving advantages, and the ability to enjoy a delicious homemade meal whenever they desire.

A recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef is a culinary instruction that guides the preparation of a classic and comforting dish. It typically involves layering ground beef cooked in a flavorful sauce with a topping of creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is known for its hearty and satisfying nature, making it a beloved meal option for many.

The significance of shepherd’s pie with ground beef lies in its ability to provide nourishment, evoke a sense of comfort, and offer a versatile culinary canvas. Its origins can be traced back to the 18th century, where it was commonly prepared using leftover lamb or mutton. Today, ground beef has become a popular substitute, making the dish more accessible and widely enjoyed.

In this article, we will delve into the essential components, cooking methods, and variations of shepherd’s pie with ground beef. Along the way, we will explore the nutritional benefits, historical significance, and cultural impact of this culinary delight.

FAQs about Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Shepherd’s pie with ground beef is a beloved dish that often raises questions among home cooks. Here are some frequently asked questions and their informative answers:

Question 1: What is the best type of ground beef to use for shepherd’s pie?

Answer: For optimal flavor and texture, choose ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 or 85/15. This ratio provides a balance of lean meat and fat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful filling.

Question 2: Can I use other vegetables besides carrots and celery in the filling?

Answer: Yes, you can add other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the filling. Consider incorporating diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas.

Question 3: How do I prevent the mashed potato topping from becoming watery?

Answer: To avoid a watery topping, ensure that the potatoes are well-drained before mashing. Additionally, use hot milk or cream when mashing, as cold liquids can make the potatoes gummy.

Question 4: Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, shepherd’s pie can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Assemble the dish completely, but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

Question 5: What are some variations on the classic shepherd’s pie recipe?

Answer: There are many ways to customize shepherd’s pie. Try using different types of meat, such as lamb or turkey, or incorporate unique seasonings and herbs. You can also top the dish with cheese or bread crumbs for added flavor.

Question 6: What should I serve with shepherd’s pie?

Answer: Shepherd’s pie pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty bread roll.

These FAQs provide helpful insights into the preparation and enjoyment of shepherd’s pie with ground beef. By addressing common concerns and offering practical tips, this information empowers home cooks to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Transition to the next article section:

Now that we have explored the FAQs about shepherd’s pie with ground beef, let’s delve into its rich history and cultural significance.

Conclusion

Our exploration of the “recipe for shepherd’s pie with ground beef” has unveiled its culinary significance, versatility, and comforting nature. From its humble origins to its modern-day variations, this dish has captured the hearts and appetites of food enthusiasts worldwide.

Shepherd’s pie with ground beef stands as a testament to the power of simple, hearty ingredients combined with culinary creativity. Its ability to nourish, comfort, and bring people together underscores its enduring popularity. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or a comforting treat, this dish continues to inspire and delight.

As we conclude this article, we encourage you to embrace the culinary journey of shepherd’s pie with ground beef. Experiment with different variations, explore its historical roots, and share the joy of this timeless dish with loved ones. May it forever hold a special place in your culinary repertoire and warm your hearts with every comforting bite.