Craving a comforting, hearty meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe for Shepherd's Pie with instant mashed potatoes is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious, family-friendly dish that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, proving that healthy meals and homemade cooking can coexist beautifully. Get ready to enjoy this classic comfort food elevated for modern convenience!
Ingredients:
For the Shepherd's Pie Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1 box instant mashed potatoes (prepared according to package directions)
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Making the Shepherd's Pie Filling:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the filling: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: While the filling simmers, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Stir in milk/cream and butter (if using) for extra creaminess.
- Layer and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the meat filling to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish or individual oven-safe ramekins. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and heated through.
Tips for the Best Shepherd's Pie:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will be mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Season generously: Taste the filling before adding the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Get creative with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!
Variations:
- Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie: Substitute the ground lamb with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Sweet Potato Topping: For a sweeter twist, use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes.
- Spicy Shepherd's Pie: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe for Shepherd's Pie with instant mashed potatoes is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. Enjoy!