October 3, 2024

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Healthy Fact of the Day

Shepherd's Pie can be a hearty and nutritious meal when prepared thoughtfully. To make it healthier, consider using lean ground lamb or beef to reduce saturated fat. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more carrots, peas, or even some diced zucchini or bell peppers. For the mashed potato topping, try using half cauliflower and half potatoes to lower the carbohydrate content and increase fiber and nutrients. Using low-fat milk and cheese can help reduce overall calorie content. Remember, portion control is key – serve this dish with a side salad to increase your vegetable intake and create a more balanced meal. The combination of protein from the meat, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fiber from the vegetables makes this a satisfying and relatively balanced one-dish meal.

Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb (or beef for cottage pie)
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups mashed potatoes (about 4-5 large potatoes)
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add frozen peas and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, mix mashed potatoes with milk and butter until smooth.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture in the skillet, creating peaks with a fork.
Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Dig your fork into this Skillet Shepherd’s Pie and watch as it breaks through the golden, cheesy potato crust to reveal the savory, herb-infused meat and vegetable filling below. It’s like unearthing a treasure trove of comfort food, where each forkful is a perfect balance of creamy and hearty. The skillet preparation not only saves on dishes but also creates those coveted crispy edges that everyone fights over. Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-pan wonder delivers a warm, satisfying hug to your taste buds. It’s not just dinner; it’s a cozy blanket for your soul, the culinary equivalent of curling up by a roaring fire with your favorite book. So fire up that stove, grab your trusty skillet, and get ready to create a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of rustic comfort. Your fork is about to embark on a journey to the rolling hills of culinary bliss, one delicious layer at a time!