We are ready to greet the end of another Winter soon here in the Midwest. While we can’t wait to give a huge high-five to Spring, we don’t really want to fully come out of hygge hibernation-mode just yet. Nothing makes a home feel and smell cozier quite like a meat and potatoes dish baking in the kitchen. You can call us “corn-fed” but just don’t call us late to dinner if this shepherd’s pie is what’s getting plated up. Also known as “shepard’s pie” or “cottage pie, this dish serves plenty and reheats well for leftovers. It finishes off perfect using the broil setting on your range from Village Home Stores for the last 5 minutes.
What is a “Broil” Setting on a Range?
So, what is that “Broil” setting on your range for anyway? And how does it work? Using a broiler is just simply adding direct, super-high heat from an element at the top of your oven. Grilling focuses high heat to one side (the bottom) of an item, broiling focusing on high heat hitting the top. This heat comes from an element installed above your top rack. Maytag has a great blog about broiling you can find here if you need more tips and tricks. We aren’t going to bake this entire recipe using the broil element, but finishing off the dish with it is a great technique! Don’t be afraid to experiment with using that broiler in your kitchen! Just never walk away when you are doing it. Toasting bread for bruschetta can go from chic to charred pretty darn quickly.
Semi-Homemade Shepard’s Pie (Serves 8)
Here is our take on the classic recipe. You can always shave off the “semi-homemade” part of this and make your mashed potatoes from scratch… but we won’t tell if you use instant like we did. Another variation to this recipe is to switch up the meat you use. Honestly lamb, beef, lean turkey, or deer meat would work well. You could even sub the chicken stock for vegetable stock and use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian shepherd’s pie.
RECIPE Semi-Homemade Shepard’s Pie
- COURSE: ENTREE
- SERVINGS: APPROX 8
Ingredients:
- 2 packages of instant mashed potatoes
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Cup ea. chopped carrots and white onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef*
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1/2 Tbsp. herbs de Provence
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Splash red wine
- 1 Cup chicken or beef stock**
- 3/4 Cup ea. frozen corn and frozen peas
- *Sub for another meat (i.e. lamb or crumbled meat alternative for a vegetarian dish).
- **Sub for vegetable stock for a vegetarian dish.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a large, deep casserole dish.
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes as directed. Add butter or sour cream if desired.
- Sauté carrots, onion, and garlic in olive oil.
- Add the meat and cook until brown.
- Add flour and toss to coat. Then add in herbs de Provence, tomato paste, Worcestershire, wine, and stock. Allow to simmer until mixture thickens and some of the liquids reduce. Stir in frozen corn and peas.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Broil for an added 5 minutes or until top of potatoes are golden to your liking (check status with your oven light not by opening and shutting the door). Remove and let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Watch a Quick Video of This Recipe
Want more easy recipes like this? Check out this board on our Pinterest page for more delicious inspiration. In need of service for your range or perhaps a new one? Village Home Stores can help! Shop online with us or message us right here from the site and we will help you find one perfect for your needs. Our showroom is located at 105 S State in downtown Geneseo, IL. We are open M-F 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-noon. Give us a call at (309) 944-1344.