Shepherd's Pie With Green Beans And Corn
Shepherd's pie is a classic dish that has been around for centuries. It's a perfect combination of savory meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and hearty vegetables. The dish originated in the United Kingdom, where it was traditionally made with lamb. However, these days, you're just as likely to find it made with beef or even turkey. In this article, we'll be exploring a variation of this comforting classic: Shepherd's Pie with green beans and corn.
What You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make Shepherd's Pie with green beans and corn:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup of corn kernels
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
As you can see, the ingredients are pretty simple and easy to find. You may already have most of them in your kitchen. Now, let's get cooking!
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the green beans and corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Return the browned beef to the pan and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. While the beef mixture is simmering, boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Drain them and mash them with the milk and butter until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, and smooth out the top with a spatula.
8. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned and the beef mixture is bubbling.
9. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
There are many variations of Shepherd's Pie, and you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use lamb instead of beef for a more traditional Shepherd's Pie.
- Add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to the beef mixture.
- Make the mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Top the mashed potatoes with grated cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy, crunchy texture.
The possibilities are endless! Shepherd's Pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste.
Conclusion
Shepherd's Pie with green beans and corn is a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this classic dish is sure to please. With its savory beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and hearty vegetables, it's a meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!