Alma Bax 
Shepherd’s Pies are a British favorite that’s a favorite at home and abroad. They’re delicious, comforting, and a great way to use up leftover meat and potatoes. The classic dish is a familiar sight for most, and a bit of a tradition to be had. One of the main ingredients is a classic British staple of leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them your own by topping your Shepherd’s Pie with instant mashed potatoes for a quick and easy dinner.
Shepherd’s pies are a traditional British dish that’s named for their shape. You can find them all across the UK, but they’re especially popular in the Scottish Highlands. Traditionally, the pies are made with lamb, potatoes, and onions, but you can also find them made with beef, fish, chicken, or even vegetables. But the traditional pieces of the pie are the mashed potatoes, which are made from instant mashed potatoes.
When was the last time you ordered shepherd’s pie at a restaurant? If you said, “only when I was really hungry”, than chances are you’ve never had this British favorite. And yet, many Americans think the dish is only available in the UK. It’s actually available in America, too, and it’s just as delicious, if not more so. All you need to make your own hearty version is instant mashed potato flakes. You can find them in the baking section of any grocery store. They’re available in both regular and low-sodium forms, but that’s not the only healthy ingredient in the dish. Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with lamb, but you can make it with beef, chicken, or ven
To bake in a shell or not to bake in a shell Lamb or beef. Combinations of vegetables Mushrooms?
There are so many options. .
I looked over many Shepherd’s Pie recipes before settling on one I discovered on Womanista. I made a few minor adjustments. Winner!
Let me explain why –
It’s simple. Eeeeeeezzzzzzeeeee.
Sure, you’ve got some cutting to do (onions, carrots, celery, garlic).
But, how tough is it to chop?
I had to cut the “old fashioned way” since I was visiting Jackie at the time.
Normally, I’d use a chopper or perhaps my Vitamix blender to do the job quickly (within a few seconds).
But I used the old-fashioned method of hand cutting. It’s not a huge deal.
This Shepherd’s Pie was made without the use of a crust. It isn’t required. We served them in tiny ramekins that I got for a bargain at Cost Plus World Market.
I used quick mashed potatoes to save even more time in the kitchen.
Yes, I did it. And I was proud of myself for doing so.
Jeff is a native of Wisconsin. My friends were shocked that I was going to give instant mashed potatoes to this Midwestern kid the first time I attempted to prepare him a real home cooked dinner (Thanksgiving 1988).
I followed their advise.
I resignedly tucked the package aside and proceeded to make genuine mashed potatoes.
I’m not sure there was much return on my time commitment, given all the other meals I was making that year. Jeff was simply relieved that someone was preparing food for him. To be honest, I could have offered him cereal.
Now, almost three decades later, I believe instant potatoes should be a pantry staple for everyone.
I went with the plain, buttered potatoes, but I was tempted to go with the roasted garlic potatoes. There will be a next time.
Prepare the beef mixture, pour it into serving dishes (such as ramekins), top with potatoes, and serve.
Also, there’s no need to bake the mashed potatoes if you time them to be piping hot when the beef mixture is done.
Have faith in me. I understand. Jackie and her pals are in agreement. The following day, I believe I spotted one of them eating the cold leftovers…
Anyone for a cold Shepherd’s Pie?
5 portions
3/4 cup per person (approx.)
Shepherd’s Pie with instant mashed potatoes on top
Recipe to be saved
Recipes to Print
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- a couple of medium carrots, chopped
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 pound beef mince (lean)
- flour (two tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon paste de tomate
- 2 TBS WORCESTERSHIRE SEASONING
- 2 c. beef stock (1 can)
- 1 tblsp. thyme
- 1 tsp oregano (oregano)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less to taste)
- a quarter teaspoon of black pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 1 cup corn (frozen)
- Instant mashed potatoes are mashed potatoes that have been prepared ahead of time (4-6 servings)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Carrots, onions, and celery should be cooked until soft.
- Place in a mixing dish and put aside.
- Combine the ground beef and garlic in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook until the meat has lost its pink color.
- 2 tbsp flour 2 tbsp flour 2 tbsp flour 2
- Toss in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a low heat and cook until the sauce has thickened.
- Toss in the frozen peas and corn.
- Continue to cook until everything is hot.
- Fill five tiny ramekins or one 8 × 8 baking dish with the mixture.
- Serve with mashed potatoes that have been made ahead of time.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through, on a baking sheet.
Notes
According to the Wikipedia article on it , shepherd’s pie (also known as shepherds pie, shepherd’s pie, shepherd’s pate, collops de pastor, or collops de pastor) is a meat and vegetable casserole dish from British cuisine, particularly in England and Wales. All sorts of meat and vegetables can be used in the dish, and it is named after the shepherd, because the pie is made and eaten by shepherds.. Read more about idahoan instant potatoes shepherd’s pie and let us know what you think.
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Ben Austin 