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Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

Healthy Shepherd's Pie
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A wholesome and hearty Healthy Shepherd’s Pie that combines lean ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this nutritious comfort food is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground meat (beef, lamb, or turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup broth (vegetable or beef)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes (for topping)
  • Smoked paprika or chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
  • Lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles (for vegetarian version)
  • Chopped kale or spinach (to add extra greens in filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender. Drain thoroughly and mash with butter (or olive oil) and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
  2. Cook the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the carrots, peas, and corn. Mix in tomato paste, broth, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
  4. Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable filling to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with a spatula or fork to create texture.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling along the edges.

Notes

  • Drain excess moisture from the filling to prevent sogginess.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for fluffier mashed potatoes that hold up well in baking.
  • Do not overmix mashed potatoes to avoid a gluey texture; keep them light and fluffy.
  • Allow the pie to rest slightly before serving so it holds together better.
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary provide brighter flavor compared to dried.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, healthy dinner, comfort food, gluten free, family meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/healthy-shepherds-pie/