Upscale Shepherds Pie with Creamy Parsnip Potato Topping

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared into your fridge thinking, " what to make with ground beef tonight?" Honestly, same here! I've got the answer.

This Shepherd's pie recipe is pure comfort. It's rich, savory, and has a killer parsnip and potato mash topping.

Brief Overview

Shepherd's Pie, a classic British dish, has humble beginnings. It's basically a savory mince pie. This recipe is a bit more fancy.

It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. This recipe yields 6 servings.

Main Benefits

This comfort food recipe is packed with protein. It's the perfect Sunday dinner or a great meal for a chilly evening.

This recipe is special because of that parsnip and potato mash. It elevates the classic, making it a proper treat.

Want to get started with the ingredients?

What You'll Need: The Ingredient Lowdown

Ready to make this easy ground beef dinner a reality? Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our bits and bobs. Don't worry, most of these are pantry staples.

For the Savory Ground Meat Dishes (Beef Filling): You'll need olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. And of course, our star: ground beef! I prefer an 80/20 blend.

You'll also need thyme, rosemary, flour, beef broth, and red wine (optional, but trust me, it adds depth!). A good glug of Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas, and some tomato paste will round things out.

For the Dreamy Parsnip & Potato Mash: Grab some Yukon Gold potatoes and parsnips. Whole milk and butter are key for richness. Don't forget salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg!

Are you ready to jump in the recipe?

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk ingredients. This Shepherd's Pie? It's all about using good stuff. No need to get posh, but decent quality makes a difference.

The Heart of the Pie: Beef Filling

For this scrummy filling, you'll need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil ( 30 ml ) for sautéing like a boss
• 1 large onion , finely chopped (approx. 200g ) - nothing beats a good onion base
• 2 carrots , peeled and diced (approx. 150g ) - adds a touch of sweetness
• 2 celery stalks , diced (approx. 100g ) - balances the sweetness of the carrots
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred) ( 450g ) - the main event
• 1 tsp dried thyme - that classic herby kick
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary - adds a touch of warmth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ( 30g ) - for thickening that lush gravy
• 1 cup beef broth ( 240 ml ) - proper beefy flavour
• 1 cup red wine (e.g., Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) ( 240 ml ) - Optional , for that extra oomph! Or sub more beef broth. My tip? Use a wine you'd actually drink.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste ( 30ml ) - richness, innit?
• 1 cup frozen peas ( 120g ) - the pop of green. Honestly, frozen is fine.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - season like you mean it!
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ( 30ml ) - for a savory punch.

Quality Indicators: The ground beef is key. Look for a good color and fresh smell. I like 80/20 because you need some fat for flavor, but you also don't want it swimming in grease.

The Crown Jewel: Parsnip & Potato Topping

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered ( 900g ) - the queen of mash
• 1 lb parsnips, peeled and chopped ( 450g ) - adds a sweet earthiness
• 1/2 cup whole milk ( 120 ml ) - for that creamy, dreamy texture
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes ( 60g ) - because butter makes everything better
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste - yes, white pepper does make a difference!
• Pinch of nutmeg - just a tiny whisper of something special

Seasoning Notes

Thyme and rosemary are your essential spice combinations here. They're classic for a reason. Worcestershire sauce adds a depth you can't skip.

For flavor enhancers , a touch of red wine elevates everything. If you skip the wine, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Gear Up: Equipment Needed

Right, what to make with ground beef using the right tools?

• Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot - for the filling. Keeps the heat even.
• Large saucepan - for boiling those potatoes and parsnips.
• Potato masher or electric mixer - for the mash. I use a masher; it's more rustic.
• 9x13 inch baking dish - for baking the pie.

Common Household Alternatives: Don't have a Dutch oven? A large pot will do. No masher? Use a fork, it'll just take longer!

Cooking Method: The Upscale Shepherd's Pie Lowdown

Alright, let's chat about how to make this Shepherd's Pie recipe . Honestly, it's easier than it looks. Don't be put off by the fancy name! This is proper comfort food, just elevated.

The most important step is knowing what to make with ground beef, and this pie is a perfect answer. Let's get started, shall we? This ground beef family meals recipe is a winner.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Peel and quarter the potatoes, and peel and chop the parsnips.

It's all about getting organised. Save yourself a headache later. Time saving tip? Use a food processor for the veggies. But be careful, yeah? Safety first.

Always use the guard and watch your fingers.

step-by-step Process: From Ground Beef to Gravy Goodness

1. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a Dutch oven. Drain the fat.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary . Cook for 1 minute.
4. Make a gravy with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour , 1 cup beef broth , 1 cup red wine and 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce . Simmer for at least 30 minutes .
5. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas . Season with salt and pepper.
6. Boil and mash 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes and 1 lb parsnips with 1/2 cup whole milk and 4 tbsp unsalted butter .
7. Assemble the pie, topping the beef with mash.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Look for a golden brown topping and bubbly filling.

Pro Tips: Cheffy Secrets for the Win!

One pro tip is to deglaze the pan with the red wine or beef broth. It adds a ton of flavor! Be sure to scrape up those browned bits.

Trust me, you'll thank me later. Another tip for this easy ground beef dinners option? Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef or ground lamb recipes .

Brown it in batches for a better sear. Common mistake? Watery mash. Drain those spuds properly! This ground beef casserole recipes is the best ground beef recipes that you can make and serve for your loved ones, its the comfort food recipes they deserve.

make-ahead option? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and topping separately a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge and assemble before baking.

Seriously, that makes life so much easier, doesn't it? Plus, think of the savory ground meat dishes you can create later! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Shepherd's Pie

Right, so we've got the recipe sorted for this fancy Shepherd's Pie. But before you rush off to the kitchen, let's have a proper chat about a few bits and bobs that can make or break it, yeah? Here's a few tips to make sure it's a real winner.

Honestly, these tips are the difference between good and amazing .

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro

Okay, so presentation matters, doesn't it? Forget just shoveling it onto a plate. For this upscale Shepherd's Pie, think a bit posh. Portion it nicely. Maybe a sprig of rosemary on top?

A classic Shepherd's pie recipe needs something to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is spot on.

Steamed green beans are a good shout too. Oh, and crusty bread for mopping up that gravy essential! What to make with ground beef should never be boring, right?

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, leftovers. We all love 'em. Pop any leftover Shepherd's Pie in the fridge, in an airtight container, and it'll be good for 3-4 days . Easy peasy.

Freezing is an option too! Just let it cool completely, wrap it well (or portion it into freezer safe containers), and it'll last for up to 3 months .

To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Sorted.

Variations: Spicing Things Up

Fancy a bit of a twist? Ditch the beef and try ground lamb recipes instead. A total game changer. Or, for a veggie option, use lentils.

Easy ground beef dinners are great, but sometimes you fancy something different, you know?

For those with dietary needs, just ensure you use gluten-free flour in the gravy. Then swap out regular Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free option, such as tamari.

It’s really just the gravy that needs a tiny tweak!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Let’s be real. This isn't health food. But it's got potatoes, parsnips and peas! It does pack a decent punch of protein.

Just remember, it's all about balance. This comfort food recipes is a treat, not a staple.

Right, so there you have it. All the little secrets to making the best ever fancy Shepherd's Pie. Don't be afraid to give it a go, and have some fun! Get the family involved, it’s what to make with ground beef as a family meal.

I'm sure you're going to make a cracking Shepherd’s pie. Now go on, get cooking!