Shepherd's Pie

Health score
15%
Shepherd's Pie
130 min.
8
523kcal

Suggestions

There is something undeniably comforting about a classic Shepherd's Pie, a dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, soul-warming meal perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying Sunday dinner. This particular recipe elevates the traditional concept by starting with crisp bacon, which adds a smoky, savory depth that immediately sets the stage for a rich and flavorful filling. The meat mixture is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring tender ground beef slowly caramelized with onions and sweetened just enough to balance the savory notes, all simmered in a robust beer-based sauce infused with fresh rosemary and garlic. For those who appreciate a little crunch and color, the addition of carrots and peas ensures every bite offers a delightful mix of vegetables that soften perfectly while retaining their individual character.

What truly makes this dish magical, however, is the luxurious potato topping. Instead of a plain crust, this recipe calls for a velvety mash blended with sour cream, butter, and a hint of sugar, creating a cloud-like layer that browns beautifully in the oven to form a golden, crispy shell on top. The combination of russet potatoes and a touch of Swiss or Cheddar cheese creates a creamy, dreamy finish that contrasts wonderfully with the robust, meaty filling below. With a calorie count that feels indulgent yet balanced, this pie serves eight people generously, making it an ideal centerpiece for feeding a crowd. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast looking to master a family favorite or simply craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, this Shepherd's Pie delivers on every level, promising a meal that is as easy to prepare as it is incredibly rewarding to eat.

Ingredients

  • slices bacon cut into thin strips
  • 0.3 cup beef broth 
  • 0.5 cup beef broth 
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • tablespoons butter softened
  • cup to 3 carrots roughly chopped
  • tablespoon flour all-purpose
  • tablespoons parsley leaves fresh chopped
  • teaspoon rosemary leaves fresh finely minced
  •  garlic cloves minced
  • pound ground beef 
  • 12 ounce beer dark light
  • medium onions chopped
  • 0.8 cups peas frozen thawed
  • large russet potatoes peeled quartered
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • 0.5 cup cup heavy whipping cream sour
  • teaspoon sugar 
  • 0.5 cup swiss grated
  • tablespoons tomato paste 
  • tablespoon vegetable oil 
  • 10  garlic cloves whole peeled

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • baking pan
  • hand mixer
  • wooden spoon
  • slotted spoon

Directions

  1. Watch how to make this recipe.
  2. Prepare potato topping: In a large saucepan add the potatoes and garlic and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Drain.
  4. Transfer the potatoes and garlic to a large bowl.
  5. Add the sour cream, 1/4 cup of the broth, butter, salt and pepper, and beat on low speed with a hand mixer until the potatoes are light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. If the mixture is too dry, add the remaining 1/4 cup broth. Do not overmix. Cover and set aside.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch round baking dish with nonstick spray.
  7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  8. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally until browned and almost crisp, about 7 to 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate; set aside.
  9. Add the oil to the drippings in the skillet and put over medium heat.
  10. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle in the sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Stir in the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat, until the beef begins to brown, about 7 minutes.
  12. Add the carrots, peas, and garlic and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and flour and cook, stirring, until well blended, about 2 minutes.
  13. Add the beer, bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, about 2 minutes
  14. Add the cooked bacon, the broth, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
  15. Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  16. Spread the potato topping evenly over the beef mixture.
  17. Bake until the filling is hot, the topping is lightly browned and the edges are bubbly, about 35 minutes.
  18. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the cheese. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
  19. Let rest out of the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
  20. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories523kcal
Protein14.97%
Fat49.85%
Carbs35.18%

Properties

Glycemic Index
79.31
Glycemic Load
30.06
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
22.493478223034%

Flavonoids

Catechin
0.16mg
Epicatechin
0.04mg
Apigenin
2.16mg
Luteolin
0.03mg
Isorhamnetin
1.38mg
Kaempferol
0.59mg
Myricetin
0.24mg
Quercetin
5.71mg
Gallocatechin
0.03mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:522.58kcal
26.13%
Fat:28.65g
44.08%
Saturated Fat:12.59g
78.69%
Carbohydrates:45.5g
15.17%
Net Carbohydrates:41.07g
14.93%
Sugar:5.4g
6%
Cholesterol:78.11mg
26.04%
Sodium:637.57mg
27.72%
Alcohol:1.66g
100%
Alcohol %:0.5%
100%
Protein:19.37g
38.73%
Vitamin A:3265.36IU
65.31%
Vitamin B6:1.03mg
51.3%
Potassium:1184.43mg
33.84%
Phosphorus:300.99mg
30.1%
Vitamin K:31.08µg
29.6%
Vitamin B3:5.86mg
29.3%
Vitamin C:22.68mg
27.48%
Manganese:0.53mg
26.54%
Zinc:3.7mg
24.69%
Vitamin B12:1.41µg
23.49%
Selenium:16.04µg
22.92%
Vitamin B1:0.29mg
19.53%
Iron:3.42mg
19.02%
Magnesium:72.78mg
18.19%
Fiber:4.44g
17.76%
Vitamin B2:0.28mg
16.38%
Copper:0.31mg
15.55%
Folate:56.34µg
14.09%
Calcium:130.81mg
13.08%
Vitamin B5:1.14mg
11.42%
Vitamin E:1.02mg
6.81%