Jenny’s Shepherds Pie: Heavenly Chocolate Cake for a Decadent Dessert
As the saying goes, “good food is good mood.” And nothing quite speaks to that sentiment like a hearty, homemade Shepherds Pie.
Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or indulge in some comfort food after a long day, this recipe is sure to be a winner. As someone who loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, I can honestly say that this one is a must-try – after all, it has become one of my kitchen staples.
In this article, I will share with you my homemade Shepherds Pie recipe. This dish has been passed down through generations of my family and has been refined over the years.
As someone with an appreciation for classic dishes, I have kept my recipe fairly traditional while still adding my own personal touch to it. Trust me when I say that the outcome is nothing short of delicious.
So, whether this is your first time making Shepherds Pie or you’re looking for new ways to spruce up your old recipe, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies! I’m about to introduce you to one of the most phenomenal shepherd’s pie recipes out there – Jenny’s Shepherd’s Pie. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your recipe collection.
First off, let’s talk about the tender ground beef that is cooked to perfection in a blend of onion and carrots combined with the savoriness of tomato ketchup. The filling alone would make your taste buds dance in excitement, but there’s more!
Jenny’s recipe creation calls for a unique topping – cauliflower sweet potato mash that is so creamy and rich, you won’t even miss traditional mashed potatoes. And bonus, it’s a paleo option for those trying to eat healthier.
But wait, there’s more! Just imagine digging into a piping hot slice of deliciousness on a chilly night. Yes, this pie is perfect for cozying up on the couch wearing your favorite oversized sweater – comforting and slow-cooked flavors that say “home.”
This recipe is beyond versatile too, making it perfect for any occasion – from your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers to a family dinner any weeknight. Plus, it pairs well with a glass of bold red wine or even some ice-cold beer.
In all seriousness though, trust me when I say Jenny’s Shepherd’s Pie is worth trying. It has rightfully earned its place as one of my new favorites in the kitchen.
Ingredient List
Let’s Get Cooking with These Fresh Ingredients!
Gather all the ingredients and get started with preparing Jenny’s delicious shepherd’s pie recipe.
You will need:
- Potatoes: 6 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- Milk: 1/2 cup whole milk
- Butter: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Water: 1/4 cup water
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Carrots: 3 carrots, diced
- Ground beef: 1.5 pounds ground beef
- Tomato ketchup: 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- Salt: 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
Note: If you prefer a different protein source, you can also substitute the ground beef for pork, lamb, or turkey. Vegetarians can use meat substitutes such as tofu or mushrooms.
Optional substitutions and variations:
For a healthier twist on this classic dish, substitute the traditional mashed potato topping with cauliflower mash. You can also try using different types of squash or sweet potato mash for a paleo version of the dish. Or if you’re vegan, consider using plant-based options such as mashed lentils or chickpeas.
Remember that making this recipe your own is all part of the fun. Experiment with different combinations and embrace new favorites in your kitchen.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
The first step in making a delicious shepherd’s pie is preparing the mashed potatoes. To do this, start by washing and peeling potatoes. Afterward, cut them into small chunks and place them in a pot of boiling water.
Allow the potatoes to boil for around 15-20 minutes or until they become tender. Once done, drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
In a separate pan, begin cooking ground beef over medium heat. While it’s cooking, chop one large onion, two carrots, and any other vegetables you like. When the ground beef has cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, cook onion and carrots over medium heat until they’ve become soft.
Add the cooked beef back into the pan along with your favorite canned tomato products (I like to use a mixture of plain tomato sauce and tomato ketchup) and 1-2 tsp of your preferred seasoning (I use garlic powder, paprika and thyme for extra flavor).
Allow everything to simmer for about five minutes so that all flavors can meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Assembling Your Pie
Now comes my favorite part–assembling the shepherd’s pie! To do this:
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Grease an oven-safe dish with a bit of butter.
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Pour in your beef mixture first, followed by your drained potatoes.
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Use a spatula or fork to even out the mashed potatoes on top of your filling
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Drizzle about 1 cup of milk on top of everything
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Sprinkle some chopped parsley or any other herb that you prefer
Step 4: Cooking Your Pie
Preheat your oven to 350F/180C degrees before cooking your shepherd’s pie. Bake it for about half an hour until everything is heated through nicely and the top looks golden browned.
Once out of the oven, let your pie rest for at least ten minutes so that it can come together fully.
Now that you’ve assembled and baked your homemade shepherd pie which, trust me, tastes far better than Jenny Craig’s version, savor every bite slowly and feel how it fills you up completely!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about shepherd’s pie is how easy it is to customize. Trust me, I understand the desire to change things up and make this classic recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Meat: Don’t feel limited to just ground beef! Ground lamb, pork, turkey, and chicken all work great in this recipe. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can use a meat alternative such as mushrooms, lentils, or soy crumbles.
– Vegetables: Any vegetables you have on hand can be used in this recipe. I like to add corn, peas, and green beans for some extra color and nutrition. Butternut squash and sweet potato make great additions too.
– Mashed potato topping: Want to mix things up from the classic mashed potato topping? You can use sweet potato mash, cauliflower mash, or even butternut squash puree for a lower-carb option. If you’re following a paleo diet, try mashed parsnips instead.
– Sauce: Instead of using tomato ketchup in the filling mixture try Worcestershire sauce or barbeque sauce.
Keep in mind that by substituting certain ingredients or adding different vegetables may change how long the pie will takes to cook. These variations as a unique touch that will keep this dish interesting and exciting ready for any night in of making shepherds pie with your family!
Serving and Pairing
As with most comfort foods, Shepherd’s Pie is best served piping hot and a little bit crispy on top. I like to dish it up while it’s still steaming from the oven, so that the potatoes have that signature fluffy texture that contrasts perfectly with the rich, savory meat filling.
I find that Shepherd’s Pie pairs well with simple side dishes that offer a nice balance of flavors, such as a garden salad or steamed green beans. The acidity in a tomato-based salad dressing can complement the hearty tomato ketchup in the recipe, while the fresh veggies bring some much needed color and nutrition to this meaty dish.
If you’re looking to turn this meal into a full course dinner, consider adding some garlic bread or crusty French baguette slices. The extra carbs will soak up some of the rich gravy and make for a more filling meal.
If you’re serving guests who have dietary restrictions or preferences, Shepherd’s Pie can be easily adapted to fit a variety of diets. For example, cauliflower topped Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to cut out some of the carbs and calories from traditional mashed potatoes. Vegetarians can use ground turkey or butternut squash instead of beef, while vegans can substitute the meat with plant-based protein options like lentils or mushrooms. Lamb or pork Shepherd’s pie are also great variations if you’re looking for something a little different but still comforting and satisfying.
Overall, Shepherd’s Pie is a versatile dish that can be paired with lots of different sides and adapted to fit a range of dietary needs. Experiment with different flavors and combinations until you find your own perfect pairing!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When making this shepherd’s pie, it’s possible to make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat it later without diminishing the quality of the dish.
If you are planning to make this dish ahead of time and store for later, allow the pie to cool to room temperature before placing it into an airtight container with plastic wrap on top. You can then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat your shepherd’s pie, preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC), cover the dish with foil and place in the oven until heated through. Another great option is heating up individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout. If you have added extra mashed potatoes on top, apply a thin layer of milk or butter over them before reheating to ensure they don’t dry out.
Remember that with this recipe and most recipes, reheated meals may require some extra love and attention. After refrigerating or freezing food items, sometimes, they can lose moisture or become harder than they should be when initially prepared. But this is nothing a few tweaks cannot fix! Try remoistening dry potatoes by adding more butter and milk when reheating.
Being able to make-ahead and store a meal give us so much flexibility in our lives, and no one needs complicated meals added to their daily disruption. Do not be afraid of leftovers, crafty leftovers can turn into new favorites that save you hours spent slaving over your kitchen stove!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Shepherds Pie comes out perfect every time, I have some tips to share with you.
To start, when frying the beef or lamb, make sure to drain as much fat as possible before adding other ingredients. This not only makes for a healthier meal but also ensures that the consistency of the filling is just right – not too watery or too greasy.
Another important tip is to make sure that the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy before spreading them over the filling. Lumpy or dry mashed potatoes can ruin the overall taste and texture of the dish.
When preparing the vegetables for the dish, make sure to chop them into evenly sized pieces. This will allow everything to cook at the same rate and result in a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
If you want to switch up your Shepherds Pie recipe, try experimenting with different meats such as ground turkey or pork. You could also add some extra vegetables such as butternut squash for a fall-inspired variation.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider substituting the meat with lentils or mushrooms and using mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. These small alterations can give your dinner a whole new dimension.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen! Try new flavor combinations and mix up textures to create your own signature Shepherd’s Pie recipe that will become a new family favorite.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Jenny’s Shepherds Pie Recipe is a classic dish that everyone should add to their recipe collection. Whether you’re having friends or family over for dinner or just want a comforting and hearty meal, this recipe is a winner. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will have people coming back for seconds.
So why not give it a try? I guarantee that once you taste it, you’ll fall in love with the rich flavors and creamy texture of this homestyle dish. Plus, with the flexibility to make your own substitutions or variations, you can tailor it exactly to your liking.
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen and make this recipe your own. Who knows, it might become one of your new favorites! So go ahead and grab those potatoes, ground beef, onion, and other ingredients and get started on making the best Shepherds Pie of your life.
Jenny’s Shepherds Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (mince meat)
- 1 (440 g) can carrots (I use Golden Circle brand, including liquid)
- 250 g frozen peas and corn
- 1 large onion, peeled & rough chopped
- 2 Oxo beef cubes (beef stock cubes)
- 1/2 cup water (if needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper sauce
- 6 large potatoes, peeled & diced
- butter
- 1/8 cup milk
- tomato ketchup (a generous squirt)
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a large chef’s pan, including liquid in carrot can.
- Put on high heat.
- When starting to bubble, stir breaking up meat.
- Reduce heat to low, continue to stir, do not allow to stick to bottom of pan.
- Allow to simmer – uncovered – until sauce thickens.
- Do not allow to dry out.
- While meat mix is simmering, put diced potatoes in saucepan. Cover with water & boil.
- When potato is cooked soft, drain and put into bowl.
- Add in butter, and milk (do not make too runny) and mash.
- Put meat mix into a large casserole dish.
- Put mashed potato on top and spread over entire top of meat mix.
- Put under grill until golden brown on top.
- Serve whilst hot.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.