Description
Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, hearty dish featuring a savory filling of smoked turkey bacon, ground beef or lamb, and colorful vegetables topped with fluffy, plant-based mashed potatoes. This easy-to-make recipe blends rich flavors and textures, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (unsweetened almond or oat milk recommended)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Filling: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and fragrant. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. Add chopped onions, garlic, and carrots, sautéing until tender. Add the ground beef or lamb and brown evenly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar, peas, fresh thyme, rosemary, and the natural gelling agent. Cook until the mixture thickens pleasantly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Making the Creamy Mashed Potatoes: While the filling simmers, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash them, gradually mixing in the plant-based butter and plant-based milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
- Assembling the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly in a baking dish. Scatter the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces on top. Dollop and spread the mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing the surface for even baking.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake the assembled pie for 20 to 25 minutes until the mashed potatoes develop a light golden crust and the filling bubbles gently at the edges. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold for a light and fluffy mashed potato topping.
- Brown the meat gently to keep the filling juicy and avoid dryness.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning after adding the natural gelling agent for balanced flavor.
- Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time to save time on baking day.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary add essential aromatic and earthy notes to elevate the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, creamy mashed potatoes, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based mash, comfort food, gluten free, family dinner, baked casserole