Quick And Scrumptious Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a classic dish that is named because it used to be prepared with lamb- what shepherd’s have in abundance. This version is made with beef and cheap veggies. It’s seasoned to perfection with some common ingredients.

Related: Chili-Mac Meal Plan

Ingredients

1 tbsp oil- any cooking oil can work, I use extra virgin olive oil

2 onions- diced, I like to dice a bunch of onions and then freeze them to pull out whenever I need them

1 lb ground beef- traditionally shepherds pie is made with lamb, but ground beef is typically cheaper. If you want to use lamb go for it!

Spices- 1 tbsp parsley, 1/2 tbsp rosemary, 1/2 tbsp thyme- these spices meld well together and emphasize the meat

1 tbsp worsteshire sauce- this will add a huge splash of flavor

2 tbsp garlic- fresh or jarred minced garlic cloves

2 tbsp flour- all purpose white flour

2 tbsp tomato paste- I like to get the tubes of tomato paste

1 cup broth- I like to use beef flavored better than bullion, but in a pinch chicken or veggie broth can work

1 1/2 cups peas & carrots- I prefer to use frozen peas and carrots so I don’t have to dice or shred the carrots

1/2 cup corn- I like to use frozen corn, but canned or fresh corn can work

Salt & pepper to taste- as always salt & pepper are a personal preference

Shredded carrots & celery- If you don’t want to use frozen carrots you can shred or dice carrots instead. You can also add thinly sliced celery if you want to add an extra veggie

For the topping:

1 packet of potatoes- I like to use instant potatoes because of the time frame, if you want to use real potatoes, you can use 5-6 medium sized potatoes that are either boiled or baked and then mashed

1/4 cup butter- I use regular salted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream- if you don’t have heavy cream you can use milk, but it will be a bit less thick

1 tsp garlic powder- garlic and potatoes are best friends

Salt & pepper to taste- as always, salt and pepper should be used to personal preference

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese- this can be omitted, but it will make everything a little cheesy and delicious

Instructions For Shepherd’s Pie

I like to cook my beef all at once and freeze it to pull out when I need it. If you don’t do this, cook your meat over medium high for 5-7 minutes or until all the pink is gone. Set it aside

In a large pan cook onion & add garlic 

Add seasonings, meat, and veggies

Cook for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld 

Make potatoes as the package states 

Add butter, milk, seasonings and cheese to potatoes

Pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan 

Spread the potato mixture on top 

Broil for 5 minutes. The purpose of broiling is to brown the top since all the ingredients are already cooked

Whole30 Option

Make sure the oil is Whole30 compliant- coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil are great options

Replace worsteshire sauce with coconut aminos

Replace the corn with more peas and carrots

Eliminate the flour or use arrowroot powder

For the topping:

5 medium potatoes cooked and mashed

2 tbsp coconut oil, or Ghee

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional- Additional Rosemary and Thyme

Mix the coconut oil and seasonings together and spread on top

Related: Pulled Pork 3 Ways

I hope you love this shepherd’s pie as much as I do!