Especially when it’s cool or rainy outside, there’s nothing that warms the body better than shepherd’s pie– comfort food at its best. Also called cottage pie, this dish contains a meat and vegetable base with mashed potatoes on top. It’s quick to prepare and there’s enough leftover for lunch the next day!
My recipe is based on Rachel Ray’s 30-minute meal version; I add a bit more gravy, more vegetables and prepare a healthier version of the mashed potatoes: rather than using cream and butter, I use olive oil and plain yogurt. Not only is this less fat than the original recipe, but it consists of healthier fats, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package ground beef (turkey or lamb)
- 2 pounds potatoes (yukon gold)
- 2-3 Carrots
- 1 Onion
- Peas
- Beef broth
Pantry Items
- Olive oil
- Plain Yogurt
- Butter
- Flour
- Worcestershire sauce
1. Prepare the potatoes.
- 2 pounds of potatoes, chopped
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Chop the potatoes (I like using yukon gold) into 1/8 cup sized nuggets. Boil 15 minutes and drain. Mash the potatoes with a masher and add the olive oil and yogurt. If potatoes aren’t as creamy as you are accustomed, that’s ok! (Note: If you prefer butter and sour cream in your mashed potatoes, feel free to use these ingredients instead.)
2. Prepare meat mixture.
- 1 1/3 pound ground beef (lamb or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
Cook the beef until it’s about 80% done. Drain the grease. Add the vegetables and cook another 3-5 minutes, until vegetables soften.
3. Prepare the gravy.
- 3 TBSP butter
- 3 TBSP flour
- 1 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3-4 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
Melt the butter and add flour. Whisk for about 2-3 minutes until it browns a bit. Add the broth and worcestershire sauce and boil about 3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add to beef mixture, along with peas.
4. Assemble.
Pour the meat/gravy mixture on teh bottom of a pan and top with mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and paprika.
5. Cook.
Cook casserole for about 15 minutes @ 350 degrees. Brown under broiler just before serving. We like ours alongside a tossed salad and glass of white wine.
