Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that originated in the United Kingdom. It consists of a layer of ground meat cooked with vegetables and gravy, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbly. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef. However, in North America, the terms are often used interchangeably.
There are many ways to make shepherd’s pie in a cast iron skillet. It gives the dish a nice crust and flavor and makes for easy cleanup. In this article, we will show you how to make skillet shepherd’s pie at home using three different recipes and give you tips to customize it. Skillet shepherd’s pie is a great option for any occasion.
Recipe 1: Cast Iron Skillet Shepherd’s Pie from Cooking for My Soul
This recipe from Cooking for My Soul is a simple version of skillet shepherd’s pie, using ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch to make the meat filling, and russet potatoes, butter, milk, salt, pepper, and cheese to make the mashed potato topping. The recipe takes about an hour to make and serves 4 to 6 people.
To make this recipe, you will need:
– A 10-inch cast iron skillet
– A large pot
– A potato masher
– A measuring cup and spoons
– A knife and a cutting board
– A wooden spoon or spatula
The steps are as follows:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease the cast iron skillet.
2. Peel and dice the potatoes, and place them in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, and mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in cheese if desired, and set aside.
4. In the same cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat if needed.
5. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and cornstarch to the skillet, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened about 10 minutes.
6. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, covering it evenly. Use a fork to create some texture on the surface, if desired.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe 2: Skillet Shepherd’s Pie from The Black Peppercorn
This recipe from The Black Peppercorn is a more flavorful and spicy version of skillet shepherd’s pie, using ground lamb, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, peas, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and cornstarch to make the meat filling and Yukon gold potatoes, butter, cream, salt, pepper, and cheese to make the mashed potato topping. The recipe takes about an hour and a half to make and serves 6 to 8 people.
To make this recipe, you will need:
– A 12-inch cast iron skillet
– A large pot
– A potato masher
– A measuring cup and spoons
– A knife and a cutting board
– A wooden spoon or spatula
The steps are as follows:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease the cast iron skillet.
2. Peel and dice the potatoes, and place them in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, and mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in cheese if desired, and set aside.
4. In the same cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the excess fat if needed.
5. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet, and cook until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the peas, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cornstarch to the skillet, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened about 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
7. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, covering it evenly. Use a fork to create some texture on the surface, if desired.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe 3: Skillet Shepherd’s Pie from Sugar Spices Life
This recipe from Sugar Spices Life is a more indulgent and cheesy version of skillet shepherd’s pie, using ground beef, onion, garlic, carrot, corn, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch to make the meat filling, and russet potatoes, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and cheese to make the mashed potato topping. The recipe takes about an hour to make and serves 6 to 8 people.
To make this recipe, you will need:
– A 10-inch cast iron skillet
– A large pot
– A potato masher
– A measuring cup and spoons
– A knife and a cutting board
– A wooden spoon or spatula
The steps are as follows:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease the cast iron skillet.
2. Peel and dice the potatoes, and place them in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, and mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in cheese if desired, and set aside.
4. In the same cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat if needed.
5. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot to the skillet, and cook until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the corn, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and cornstarch to the skillet, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened about 10 minutes.
7. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, covering it evenly. Use a fork to create some texture on the surface, if desired.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
– You can use any type of ground meat you prefer, such as beef, lamb, turkey, or chicken. You can also use a combination of different meats, or add some sausage or bacon for extra flavor.
-Feel free to select any of your favorite vegetables to include in this dish, such as peas, green beans, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Whether they’re fresh, frozen, or canned, go ahead and use what works best for you.
-You have the flexibility to choose any type of potatoes you prefer, whether it’s russet, Yukon gold, red, or sweet potatoes. If you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes or a pre-made pie crust are great options to make things easier.
-To make the meat mixture even more delicious, consider adding a variety of delightful herbs and spices like parsley, sage, oregano, basil, cumin, paprika, or curry powder. It’s a fantastic way to elevate the flavor and make your dish truly delightful!
-You might want to consider adding some cheese to the mashed potato topping, like cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or feta, to make it extra cheesy and delightfully gooey.
– Feel free to prepare the shepherd’s pie ahead of time, and pop it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to thaw it completely before baking, and if necessary, add a little extra time to the baking process.
-For a delightful meal, consider serving the shepherd’s pie with some bread, a fresh salad, or a comforting soup to make it a truly satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
Skillet shepherd’s pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and customize. It is perfect for cold winter nights or any time you need a warm and hearty meal. Try one of these recipes, or create your own, and enjoy the cozy and satisfying taste of skillet shepherd’s pie.
Related posts:
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie – Cooking For My Soul
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Sugar Spices Life
