Shepherd’s pie is a family favourite and has fed people around the world for generations. This dish combines flavourful and juicy meat with the freshest vegetables to bring a hearty and hot meal to your table.
Here at Cleaver’s Organic, we have the most incredible organic premium beef mince to bring out the best flavour in your shepherd’s pie. Simply use the beef mince for the lower layer of your shepherd’s pie and combine with your choice of fresh vegetables and potatoes. The shepherd’s pie truly is an icon of farm to table eating and we love this recipe. So if you are looking for a family pleaser and a flavourful and filling meal, read on!
WHAT IS SHEPHERD’S PIE?
WHY SHEPHERD’S PIE?
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHEPHERD’S PIE AND COTTAGE PIE?
THE PERFECT MASHED POTATOES FOR YOUR SHEPHERD’S PIE
QUICK AND EASY SHEPHERD’S PIE RECIPE
WHAT IS SHEPHERD’S PIE?
Shepherd’s pie is a classic hearty dish sure to warm up the family on those cold winter evenings! And here at cleaver’s, we have the perfect organic beef mince to give your meal that premium, quality and authentic flavour.
Although Shepherd’s pie was first made with lamb, using beef mince is just as popular and just as tasty! Shepherd’s pie is a versatile dish which uses a rich vegetable and meat based sauce topped with a light and creamy mash and then sprinkled with optional cheese.
WHY SHEPHERD’S PIE?
Shepherd’s pie is a fantastic comfort food with very little prep time and cooking time. It is a timeless classic which keeps the whole family warm and cozy during those winter days. It is versatile and you can mix different vegetables and meat to create your perfect mouthwatering combination.
You can also vary the stock that you use to have even greater versatility in your shepherd’s pie. The other added benefit of shepherds pie is that it makes your home smell incredible when you are cooking/baking! And
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHEPHERD’S PIE AND COTTAGE PIE?
Well, firstly, you are not alone. Most people don’t know the difference between the two.
Cottage pie and Shepherd’s pie are very similar. And in fact, this recipe is technically a cottage pie. Shepherd’s pie generally uses lamb. Whereas cottage pie generally uses beef. But both share that same bottom layer of rich and tasty ground meat which is mixed with fresh vegetables and stock to create a rich meaty sauce.
It is then topped with light fluffy mashed potato and sprinkled with tasty cheese. So, if you want to make a “real” shepherd’s pie which is just as tasty, why not try switching the beef for one of cleaver’s delicious lamb products! And when the flavour is this good, does it really matter what it’s called? Here at cleavers, we have you covered for whatever pie is on your menu. From shepherds to cottage to steak and kidney!
THE PERFECT MASHED POTATOES TO ACCOMPANY YOUR SHEPHERD’S PIE
Cleavers premium organic beef mince has got the bottom layer of your cottage pie guaranteed to be bursting with an intense meaty, rich flavour. But when it comes to the perfect mashed potato recipe, flavour is also important.
Texture is also an essential element, some like hard, lumpy mashed potatoes, whereas some like fluffy or whipped, while others like theirs to resemble baby food or milk! Mashed potato preferences vary from person to person.
But there are some tips and tricks which can help you to get the most out of your mash. Be sure to chop your potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Don’t be scared to get your hands in there and mash. And finally don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper for ultimate flavour. And add milk and butter to ensure you get a rich and creamy texture.
QUICK AND EASY SHEPHERD’S PIE RECIPE
This is a recipe which you are sure to love! Quick, simple and easy to vary. We think that it will be a great addition to any midweek meal after a hard day at work.
Perfect for hosting people or just for feeding your loved ones at home! Get out and grab the delicious ingredients below and get cooking this timeless kitchen dish for the household.
Serves 6
Cook time – under 2 hours
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large brown onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 900g Cleaver’s premium organic beef mince
- 1/4 cup instant gravy powder
- 1 cup Massel beef stock
- 400g can diced tomatoes with oregano and basil
- 1.2kg potatoes, peeled, chopped
- 50g butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Tasty Cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Optional frozen peas/ fresh carrots
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook Cleaver’s organic mince in 2 batches, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up mince, for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned.
- Transfer to a bowl. Add finely chopped onion and crushed garlic to pan. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until softened.
- Return mince to pan. Add your choice of gravy powder. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in stock and fresh diced tomato.
- Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes or until thickened (whatever your preferred thickness is).
- In the meantime, cook potatoes in a saucepan of boiling, salted water for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return to the pan over low heat. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Add butter and milk. Stir until butter has melted and mixture is combined.
- Spoon mince mixture into a 1.4 litre casserole dish. Top with potato mixture.
- Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. sprinkle with salt and pepper. And if you’re super adventurous, you can even top with chilli flakes for an added kick.
- Serve and enjoy this wonderful dish!
