Shortcut Shepherd's Pie

Name: Shortcut Shepherd's Pie
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 1.1 lb Minced Meat; 1 pc Onion; 3 pc Garlic; 1 cup Corn; 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 1 tbsp Beef Stock Powder; 2 cup Instant Mashed Potatoes Powder; 1.7 cup Milk; 2 tbsp Butter; 2 tbsp Crème Fraîche; 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese; 1 tbsp Oil

High ProteinStovetop • BakingDinnerComfort Food • Kid-Friendly

Easy

35min

520kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A quick and hearty version of the classic comfort dish, featuring a savory meat base and a cheesy, creamy potato topping.

This Shortcut Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate comfort meal when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. A traditional Shepherd's Pie usually requires peeling and boiling many potatoes, but this version uses your instant mashed potatoes to get that fluffy topping in record time. We start by browning the minced meat with aromatic onion and garlic, creating a deeply savory base enhanced by tomato paste and rich beef stock powder. The addition of corn adds a subtle sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with the savory meat. To make the topping extra luxurious, we mix the potatoes with butter, milk, and a dollop of crème fraîche, which adds a sophisticated tang and creamy mouthfeel. Finally, a layer of mozzarella cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust that ties the whole Shortcut Shepherd's Pie together. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that still feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Pro-tip: let the meat mixture cool slightly before spreading the potatoes on top to prevent them from sinking, ensuring those beautiful defined layers every time you scoop a serving onto your plate.

Ingredients

500 g Minced Meat
1 pc Onion (1 medium onion)
3 pc Garlic (3 cloves)
150 g Corn (about 1 cup)
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
1 tbsp Beef Stock Powder
160 g Instant Mashed Potatoes Powder (about 2 cups of dry flakes)
400 ml Milk
30 g Butter (2 tbsp)
2 tbsp Crème Fraîche
100 g Mozzarella Cheese (about 1 cup shredded)
1 tbsp Oil

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
3
Add the minced meat to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, beef stock powder, and corn. Add a small splash of water (about 60ml or 1/4 cup) to keep it moist. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5
Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6
In a separate pot, prepare the instant mashed potatoes powder by following the package instructions using the milk and butter. Once smooth, stir in the crème fraîche.
7
Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the minced meat.
8
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and golden brown.
10
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tips

•Use a fork to create ridges in the potatoes before baking; they will get extra crispy in the oven.
•If you want more depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
•You can swap the mozzarella for American cheese if you prefer a creamier, meltier topping.

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