Read The Labels On Your Worcestershire Sauce
Diving into the meat filling, youll see that Worcestershire is a key ingredient. This is a vinegar based sauce made from fermented onions and garlic, along with molasses, tamarind, anchovies, spices and more. Yep, you can say this sauce has an intense depth of flavor, making it perfect to add to meats.
But if youre gluten-free, youll need to be mindful of the brands you buy. Worcestershire often includes a wheat-based soy sauce to get that deep dark brown color. So, I recommend purchasing one of the below brands that are gluten-free .
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How Do You Make Shepherds Pie From Scratch
To make this recipe for Shepherds pie with ground beef, you start out by making the meat filling. Combine all the ingredients for that and simmer together. Once its ready, you can get the oven pre-heated. Then youll make your mashed potatoes. After you have them ready, you can assemble this casserole in a baking dish with the meat mixture on the bottom and the mashed potatoes on top. Bake it uncovered for 30 minutes, let it cool for about 15 minutes, and then serve.
What Is Cottage Pie
Although Shepherds Pie a.k.a. cottage pie, has traditionally been made with minced lamb, it is widely acceptable to make with beef. Some recipes call for beef chunks similar to beef stew while other recipes used ground beef, lamb, veal or pork. I like using the mixture of ground beef and pork for this recipe. Shepherds Pie has long been long associated with Irish food in America and is a common dish in Irish pubs and restaurants.
The meat mixture is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, extra virgin olive oil mixed with a rue . It is relatively easy to prepare.
This recipe is similar to our Cheesy Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy with a few obvious exceptions. Im sure youd like it too. Its another meat and potatoes meal with gravy! So yummy!
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Store The Cooked Shepherds Pie
This Shepherds pie is a great meal prep recipe and you can keep it as a whole or as individual portion serving sizes in the fridge. Use an airtight container and it should keep about 4 days.
To reheat the casserole out of the fridge, you can microwave it on high for about 2 minutes depending on the size of the piece, or heat it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
Suggestions And Substitutions For Shepherds Pie

A true shepherds pie is actually done with lamb, not beef . Cottage pie is the term traditionally applied to one made with beef.
Regardless of what you call it, you can make this with basically any type of ground meat you like, knowing that they range widely in fat content. Ground lamb, turkey, bison, venison, and beefor half and half of any of the aboveare all fair game.
Nothing beats fresh vegetables and cheese youve grated on the spot to make this recipe, but if youre short on time, here are a few shortcuts:
- Swap in frozen mixed vegetables for the carrots, celery, and peas. Use two and a half cups and add them to the dish when it instructs you to add the peas.
- Use pre-shredded sharp cheddar. Take a gander at the ingredients, since some brands use additives to keep the cheese from clumping. Less is more, if you ask me.
- Buy screw-top wine. Every little bit counts when it comes to saving time. Plus, fussing with a bottle opener isnt my favorite pastime. You dont need fancy wine for this anyway, just something dry and drinkable.
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The Special Topping: Cauliflower And Potato Mash
One other change from traditional shepherds pie is the topping: Its a blend of cauliflower and potatoes! This means fewer carbs and calories , but more importantly, the added health benefits of cauliflower.
The recipe calls for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, which plays off of the cauliflower and adds a pleasing crust when baked.
The Best Chicken Pot Pie With Homemade Pie Crust
Chicken pot pie remains one of the most comforting dinners of all time. With a delicious, savory filling of juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and a creamy gravy enclosed in a double-layer of flaky pie crust, its really no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.
If youre looking for a foolproof, homemade chicken pot pie recipe youve come to the right place. Made with real ingredients and no cans, this recipe has received stellar reviews from taste testers. Today, in addition to delivering the best recipe, well also cover some helpful tips for making homemade pie crust for chicken pot pie, why a handful of simple ingredients is all you need to make a perfect, creamy pot pie filling from scratch, ways to customize your pot pie vegetable line up, and more!
Before we can deem a chicken pot pie recipe the best, we have to ask ourselves, what is it that makes it the best? I think we can all agree, the best recipe must possess:
- A flaky chicken pot pie crust on both the top and the bottom.
- A creamy, savory gravy.
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Can You Use Leftover Mashed Cauliflower
Yes! If you have any extra cauliflower mash from a different recipe, you can use that to top this shepherds pie.
If you really arent too particular about the carbs, feel free to use mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes instead. The sweet potatoes would give this British recipe a nice American Fall or Thanksgiving vibe!
Yes You Can Make It Ahead
Once you have topped the filling with the potatoes and sprinkled the last bit of cheese over it, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap. You can keep it assembled, but unbaked, in your refrigerator for up to three days.
To bake the pie, remove the plastic wrap and take it straight from the fridge to the oven. Add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time. Check the pie after 30 minutes.
Cover it loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
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Assembling A Double Crust Pie
When the dough is ready, youll roll out the bottom crust, lay it in the pie dish, and add your filling. Then, roll out the top pie crust and cover your pot pie with it, bring the bottom crust up and over the top, pinching the two together to enclose. For an extra golden crust and a special touch, brush the pie crust with egg wash and sprinkle with Kosher salt.
Once baked, it will be perfectly golden, flaky and buttery, and the perfect addition to the best chicken pot pie recipe.
Shepherds Pie For The Freezer
My family loves Shepherds Pie and I love that I can make multiple servings with just as much effort as you would put in for a single meal. This recipe is an excellent make ahead freezer meal. Ok, so youre peeling a few more pounds of potatoes but trust me, its worth it in the long run. I just grab my 10 lb bag of potatoes, my peeler, and a HUGE bowl. I put on an episode of Suits to keep me entertained and plunk my back side on the couch. Once I get my Harvey Specter fix, Im usually done peeling all the potatoes and I hit the kitchen to do the rest of the chopping, boiling and frying.
Shepherds Pie is a great make ahead freezer meal that is very affordable to make. You can cut back on the amount of potatoes by substituting parsnips or completely replace the potatoes and make a cauliflower or rutabaga mash. Replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour for a gluten free version. So delicious!!
- 3lbspotatoes
- ½medium onion, finely chopped
- 2carrots, finely diced
- ½cupfrozen corn
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Does Costco Sell Shepherds Pie
Yesterday we picked up one of the pre-made Costco shepherds pie for about twenty bucks. Thought it would make an easy dinner and then leftovers for lunch. While the mashed potatoes on top browned up nicely and the pie itself was beautiful, the inside was gross. The beef had an odd taste and the mushrooms were slimy.
To Make A Healthier Shepherds Pie:

Serves 56 prep: 25 minutes cook: 1 hour 3.5 portions of fruit and veg per serving
- 300g potatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 250g lean minced lamb
- 2 heaped tsp wholemeal flour
- 400g tin green lentils
- 1 heaped tbsp tomato puree
- pinch of dried thyme
- a few grinds of black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper, for seasoning
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Prep This Ahead Of Time
If you plan to make this ahead of time, I suggest keeping the mashed potatoes and filing separate at first. Store them away in the fridge in sealed containers. When youre ready to bake, let the potatoes and filling sit at room temperature to soften before assembling. Then, pop it right into the oven for baking.
When it comes time to freeze leftovers, just place them in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. This could be a great option if you also plan to meal prep this on a Sunday night. Just bake it, divide it into 6 sections, and freeze it!
What Is A Good Side For Shepherds Pie
Because shepherds pie is a heavier dish that already includes meat, potatoes, and vegetables, I would recommend a lighter salad to go with it. Here are a few of my favorite sides: Winter Fruit Salad. Candied Pecan and Pear Salad. Candied Almond and Mandarin Salad. Pomegranate Orange Salad. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad.
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Everything You Love About Shepherds Pie But Way Easier
Shepherds pie and its brethren really got their start as a way to use up stewed or roasted meat and leftover vegetables, but it has since come to represent a comforting Sunday night dinner. Its a shame, really, that we dont eat Shepherds pie more regularly, because a chilly Tuesday night is actually when we need this cozy dish the most.
Here, weve figured out how to simplify the recipe without sacrificing the deliciousness of everyones favorite part: the potatoes.
Shepherds Pie Versus Cottage Pie
Ultimate Shepherds Pie With Beef And Pork
Thanks for sharing! You rock!
This tasty Ultimate Shepherds Pie with Beef and Pork is a hearty all-in-one meal! This recipe uses both ground beef and pork and a savory brown gravy. This is a comfort food meal perfect to celebrate St. Patricks Day or any Sunday dinner.
You wont be able to get enough of this yummy recipe! Its all things good in one casserole! The brown gravy makes it so yummy. It is a great use of leftover mashed potatoes and a good make ahead casserole for parties or to freeze.
Our family loves Shepherds Pie! It is a great comfort food with cheddar cheese topped homemade mashed potatoes, peas, and ground meat. This recipe is made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork. Whats not to love?
Sometimes, its hard to choose which to make on St. Patricks Day- this Shepherds Pie or Corned Beef & Cabbage because theyre both so tasty.
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Now Cook The Filling For This Shepherds Pie With Vegetables
The filling for this recipe is extremely easy to make as well. Just cook the meat, cook the vegetables, and combine them both.
You can do this while the cauliflower is cooking.
- Heat some oil in a large nonstick pan or skillet and cook the ground meat for about 5-7 minutes until its no longer pink. Be sure to break it up.Then transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
- Pour the remaining oil on the pan, and cook the onions, garlic, celery, carrots and bell peppers. The onions should be translucent and veggies tender.
- Move the cooked meat back into the pan and add the sauce, broth, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.Give it a good mix and let it cook until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat and fold in the frozen peas.
To Make The Mashed Potatoes:
- Add potatoes to pot with water: Place potatoes in a medium pot or large saucepan. Cover with water by 1-inch and season water with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook potatoes until tender: Let gently boil until potatoes are fully tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 15 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under hot water for about 5 seconds to remove excess starches .
- Rice Potatoes: Drain potatoes then pass through a food mill or potato ricer into same pot .
- Stir with liquid ingredients: Melt 5 Tbsp butter and add to potatoes along with half and half and sour cream. Stir just to combine while seasoning with salt to taste. Cover and set aside if filling isnt yet complete.
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How This Pie Is Different From Traditional Shepherds Pie
The shepherds pie of my upbringing features a hefty portion of meat, with vegetables playing a supporting role, and a thick topping of buttery mashed potatoes. My updated version bumps up the ratio of vegetables to meat and calls for extra-lean ground beef, which is the leanest option in the butcher case.
For the mashed potatoes, the recipe swaps in olive oil for butter, which means more heart-healthy fats in every bite. The sum total of these swaps is a lighter dish with no shortcuts on flavor.
Roast The Vegetables For Deeper Flavor

This recipe calls for roasting the root vegetables before simmering in the soup. Why? Because roasting converts some of the starch in your root vegetables into sugars, bringing out more of the sweetness. Also, a little char on the vegetables can add a bit of smokiness and an extra depth of flavor to your soup.
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