Shepherds Pie - an iconic British classic that is hearty, comforting and tasty. It's no wonder that shepherds pie has been around for centuries!
This traditional dish—also known as cottage pie—originated in the UK during the 18th century, when shepherds living on the hillsides of Scotland would make use of their simple ingredients to create a hot meal for themselves and their families. The shepherds would combine ground beef with grains, vegetables, spices, and a savory sauce to form a delicious casserole. The topping would usually be made up of mashed potatoes which was then browned over an open fire or under a hot griddle until it became crispy and golden
Today, shepherds pie is still a popular dish among families in the UK and has been adapted to include different variations of ingredients. Here is our recipe for shepherds pie - guaranteed to be an instant family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g lean ground beef
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 carrots, diced into small cubes
- 2 cups frozen peas and corn mix
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the garlic and onion, and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until golden brown, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and salt; cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add carrots and frozen vegetables; stir and let simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Remove from heat and transfer contents into an 8x8 inch baking dish or pie plate (use anything with at least 2 inch sides).
5. In a medium saucepan, add potatoes and cover with water; bring to a boil and let simmer until tender (around 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter or margarine.
6. Spread mashed potatoes over shepherds pie filling in baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese over top. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Let shepherds pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving – enjoy!
Shepherds Pie is the ultimate comfort food on a cold day - it's hearty, flavorful and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters! We hope you enjoy this classic British dish as much as we do!
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