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A rich, savory ground beef and vegetable filling is simmered in a hearty gravy, then topped with a fluffy blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. This classic comfort food, technically a 'Cottage Pie', is baked until golden brown and bubbly, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
For 6 servings
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
Cook the Beef Filling
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Tender chunks of beef and earthy mushrooms simmered in a rich, savory gravy, all baked under a flaky, golden-brown pastry crust. A classic comfort food perfect for a cozy family dinner.
A rich, savory ground beef and vegetable filling is simmered in a hearty gravy, then topped with a fluffy blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. This classic comfort food, technically a 'Cottage Pie', is baked until golden brown and bubbly, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This british recipe takes 80 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 624.76 calories per serving with 37.41g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Create the Gravy
Assemble and Bake
Rest and Serve
For the authentic version, replace the ground beef with 1.5 lbs of ground lamb. The cooking process remains the same.
Substitute the russet potatoes with 2.5 lbs of sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, colorful twist. Mash with butter, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt.
Add more vegetables to the filling, such as 1 cup of diced mushrooms, corn, or diced celery. Sauté them along with the onions and carrots.
Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked brown or green lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Beef is an excellent source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
The carrots, onions, and peas in the filling contribute essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A (from carrots) for vision and immune health, and fiber for digestive wellness.
The potato topping is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy to fuel your body and brain.
Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with ground lamb (as shepherds herd sheep), while Cottage Pie is made with ground beef. Since this recipe uses beef, it is technically a Cottage Pie, a term originating from 18th century Britain when potatoes became an affordable food for the poor living in cottages.
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare and assemble the entire pie, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the entire baking dish (if oven-safe) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Shepherd's Pie is a balanced meal, providing protein from beef, carbohydrates from potatoes, and vitamins from vegetables like carrots, onions, and peas. However, it is also a rich, calorie-dense comfort food due to the butter, beef fat, and potatoes. It can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.
A single serving of this Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 550-600 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of your ground beef and the amount of butter used.