Shepherd’s pie is a classic meal, and is usually well liked. Unlike other casseroles, it is not saucy and doesn’t use a creamed soup base. I like the fact that it doesn’t include cheese, which many casseroles do. It is easy to make this dish both gluten and dairy free.
Many people like peas in this recipe. I didn’t give exact vegetables to use, but leave it up to you.
I mentioned in my post about getting kids to eat that kids can change in their tastes. When I served this for dinner recently, Picky commented, “I can’t believe I used to not like this.”
Of course, I did not put peas in it, which he hates. And I used his favorite mashed potatoes—red potatoes with the skins left on.
This meal takes time to prepare. Basically, you cook everything, then put is in a casserole dish and bake it. The baking ads extra time, so plan ahead. I have not done it, but I’m sure you could cook at least the meat and vegetables ahead of time if that helps.
Another time saver would be to use instant mashed potatoes. They are not my preference, but if you are really short on time, not feeling well, or simply don’t like to cook, it’s an option.
Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 – 3 cups chopped or small vegetables (carrots, celery, peas, corn)
- 1 Tablespoons butter or other oil
- 2 pounds red potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk (or substitute, I used almond milk)
- 2 Tablespoon butter (or substitute, I used Earth balance)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, or other seasoning if desired
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scrub and trim the potatoes, but don’t peel. Cut and cook until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and allow to steam dry for several minutes.
- Heat the milk and butter until warm. Add to the potatoes along with the baking power (to make them lighter). Mash vigorously with a hand masher.
- While the potatoes are cooking, crumble and cook the ground beef in a skillet. Drain and move the beef to a bowl.
- While the beef is cooking, chop the onions and any other vegetables that need chopping (carrots and celery if using).
- When the beef is done and removed, add the butter or oil to the skillet. Add to the skillet the vegetables that require the most cooking time such as onions and carrots. Cook until tender, adding other vegetables at the end of cooking time.
- When all the vegetables are just tender add the broth, salt, pepper, parsley and the reserved beef. Mix together and simmer about 10 minutes.
- Place the beef and vegetable mixture in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place the mashed potatoes evenly on top, spreading out to the edges.
- Use a fork to create lines and peaks in the potatoes (for nice browning).
- Bake at 400° for 30 minutes.
My family loves Shepherd’s Pie! I do a shortened version though, I cook everything on the stove top (mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and ground beef). Then I make a gravy with the ground beef. We layer everything in our bowls and add shredded cheese (everything is still hot, so the cheese melts nicely). So good! Saves time and money without the oven having to be turned on. 🙂
How do u make a gravy with ground beef? New to all this, looking for ne help.
Thx
Great idea! Thank you. We LOVE Shepherd’s Pie too, but it can be time consuming. I do make a thickening, using cornstarch, if anyone is used to a thicker gravy.
Savory indeed! This looks like a dinner everyone in my family would love.
What kind of gluten free beef broth do u use?
I use homemade broth, Pacific Foods broth, or Herb Ox bouillon with water.
I use Swanson broth!
Sorry, but shepherds pie is LAMB and cottage pie, BEEF
I have to look at ingredient lists on bought SHEPHERDS PIE as so many include beef to which I have a bad reaction.
Otherwise, this is a very good traditional recipe.
I made it beef-free with ground turkey and veggie broth. Gluten and dairy free too (unsweetened vanilla almond milk and earth’s balance 🙂
I going to make foe supper to night.
Very good. I altered it slightly, made it gluten free, used instant potatoes, and frozen peas and carrot blend. Came out delicious.
After browning the meat put everything into a slow cooker and heat until cooked, I quite often do it on low overnight. Turn to high and add thickening for the last 30 – 45 mins. Mash hot cooked potatoes and either put it straight on top or make individual ones so you can freeze some for later if it’s only for two. Put some cheese on top and pop under the grill until brown.
How many people does this serve? Thanks!
it served 6 generous portions.
Made it tonight for my family. They had no idea they were eating gluten free until I told them! Very good!
Served 6.
Shepherd’s pie is made with lamb…..this is cottage pie. (just a pet peeve)