Shepherd's Pie Recipe With Instant Mashed Potatoes
Introduction
Shepherd's Pie is a classic British dish that is loved by many. The dish is traditionally made with mashed potatoes, ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and gravy. However, to save time, we will be using instant mashed potatoes in this recipe. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for serving to guests.
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 2 cups of instant mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the beef filling:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook until they are heated through.
5. Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
8. Season the beef filling with salt and pepper to taste.
9. In a separate pot, bring the water, milk, and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the instant mashed potatoes until they are smooth.
10. Spread the beef filling into a 9-inch baking dish.
11. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef filling and spread them out evenly.
12. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown.
Variations
There are many variations of Shepherd's Pie, and you can adjust this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Instead of ground beef, use ground lamb for a more traditional Shepherd's Pie.
- Add different vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn.
- For a cheesy twist, mix grated cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them on top of the beef filling.
Conclusion
This Shepherd's Pie recipe with instant mashed potatoes is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic British dish. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.
