Elevated Shepherd's Pie

A low-sodium twist on classic Shepherd's Pie with a lean ground beef filling and cheesy mashed potato topping.

Ingredients

• 0.5 lb Ground Beef
• 0.5 lb Lean Ground Beef
• 1 package (16 oz), frozen Mixed Vegetables
• 0.5 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 cup Beef Broth (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (low sodium)
• 5 cups Mashed Potatoes (prepared with no salt)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme
• 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (low sodium)
• 1 Bay Leaf

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the meat base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add both the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add frozen mixed vegetables and beef broth. Add 1 bay leaf Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf before proceeding.
7. Prepare the mashed potato topping: Ensure your mashed potatoes are ready and seasoned to taste (without adding salt). For a richer flavor, mix in a tablespoon of unsalted butter or a splash of milk/cream during mashing.
8. Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Top with the prepared mashed potatoes, spreading evenly to cover the meat base completely. Fluff the top with a fork for added texture.
10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato topping.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Cuisine: Canadian

Suitability: high-protein,low-sodium

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Serving Size: 5

Meal Type: dinner