Shepherd's Pie Recipe Using Instant Mashed Potatoes
Introduction
Shepherd's pie is a classic British dish that has been around for centuries. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. Traditionally, this dish is made with mashed potatoes, ground beef or lamb, and vegetables. However, this recipe uses instant mashed potatoes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package instant mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions.
- Spread the ground beef mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the ground beef mixture and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
There are many variations of shepherd's pie that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground lamb instead of ground beef.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the vegetable mixture.
- Top the mashed potatoes with breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
This shepherd's pie recipe using instant mashed potatoes is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The ground beef and vegetable mixture is flavorful and hearty, while the mashed potatoes and melted cheese on top provide a comforting and satisfying finish. Try this recipe for a delicious twist on a classic dish.