Aunt Eva'S And Aunt Irma'S Shepherds Pie
A hearty shepherd's pie with seasoned beef, cheesy mashed potatoes, broccoli, and flavorful salsa, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the instant cheese mashed potatoes as directed and set aside.
- Spray a rectangular casserole dish with Pam and spread one tube of Pillsbury pizza dough on the bottom and sides of the dish.
- Bake in the oven for 25% of the baking time listed on the dough package, then set aside.
- Brown the lean hamburger in a skillet; drain the grease.
- Add 3/4 of a small jar of Tostitos mild salsa and all of the frozen chopped broccoli to the cooked hamburger.
- Simmer on low for 5 minutes or until the broccoli is no longer firm.
- Layer the mashed potatoes on the dough in the casserole dish.
- Top the potatoes with 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Add the hamburger mixture over the cheese layer.
- Spread the second pizza dough over the hamburger mixture, pressing the sides of the dough to seal.
- Bake until the dough is light golden brown, following the dough's baking instructions.
- Remove from the oven and top with remaining cheese and parsley.
- Return to the oven for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of lean hamburger. You can also substitute the pizza dough with a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option. If you want to add more flavor, try mixing in some herbs like thyme or rosemary with the meat. The instant cheese mashed potatoes can be replaced with homemade mashed potatoes for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty shepherd's pie with a side salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Low Carb Vegetable Soup for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider offering some crusty bread or garlic bread as a side to soak up the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shepherd's pie in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, but the oven will keep the crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Eva'S And Aunt Irma'S Shepherds Pie contains roughly 562 calories, with 27g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1478mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish, making it customizable to your taste.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the lean hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture, making it a delightful vegetarian shepherd's pie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).