Recipe of the Month: Easy-Peasy Shepherd’s Pie

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
by FoE Community Well-being Team

Shepherd’s Pie is a wonderful comfort food, featuring a savory filling of meat or lentils and vegetables, topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes. It is ideal for cold months when you crave something warm and nourishing. It’s also easy to make in bulk, and you can freeze individual portions for quick meals later—perfect for busy schedules! It can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s hearty enough to warm you up during chilly January evenings!

Vegan-Friendly Tips:

  • Substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based alternative.
  • Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for the mashed potatoes.
  • Ensure Worcestershire sauce is vegan, or replace it with soy sauce or tamari for a savory punch.
Sheperds pie

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat alternative (or 1½ cups cooked lentils for vegan)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use vegan Worcestershire or soy sauce for vegan)
  • 1 cup vegetable or beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the topping:

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheese or vegan cheese for topping

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Potatoes:
    • Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes, until tender. Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
    • Add the ground meat or lentils, breaking up the meat and cooking until browned (or until lentils are heated through).
    • Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika. Mix well.
    • Pour in the broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken. Stir in the frozen peas or mixed vegetables and cook for 2 more minutes.
  3. Assemble the Pie:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the filling evenly in a baking dish.
    • Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing them out with a spatula. For a crispier top, create ridges with a fork.
    • Optionally sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for extra richness.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.