Are you craving a comforting, flavourful, and surprisingly healthy meal? Look no further! This Shepherd's Pie with Cornbread topping is a delicious twist on a classic, offering a delightful blend of savory lamb filling and a sweet, crumbly cornbread crust. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress your loved ones with a homemade masterpiece. This recipe is packed with flavor, relatively quick to prepare, and offers a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potato topping. Get ready to elevate your dinner game!
Ingredients:
For the Lamb Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions:
Making the Lamb Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the frozen peas and parsley.
Making the Cornbread Topping:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:
- Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the lamb filling in the skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the Shepherd's Pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Shepherd's Pie:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground lamb and beef.
- Don't overmix the cornbread batter; a few lumps are okay.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the pie for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
Variations:
- Spicy Shepherd's Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the lamb filling.
- Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie: Substitute the ground lamb with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Cornbread Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Shepherd's Pie with Cornbread is a satisfying and delicious meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy this easy recipe and the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen! It's a simple yet impressive dish that will surely become a family favorite. Happy cooking!