Shepherd’s Pie with Beef

Introduction

This WW Friendly Shepherd’s Pie with Beef is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines a rich, savory ground beef and vegetable filling with a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this shepherd’s pie is not only delicious but also fits well within your Weight Watchers (WW) plan. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and useful tips to make this delightful dish.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 2 tablespoons light butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Detailed Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Add the skim milk and light butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, peas, corn, and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the Broth and Seasoning: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the beef and vegetable filling evenly in a large baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread them out evenly to cover the filling. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the mashed potatoes, if desired.
  8. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 22g

Weight Watchers Points (per serving):

  • PointsPlus: 8 points
  • SmartPoints: 9 points
  • Freestyle Points: 8 points

Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie with Beef

  1. Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (93% lean) helps reduce the fat content while still providing a rich, meaty flavor.
  2. Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans can be great additions.
  3. Mashed Potatoes: For an extra creamy topping, consider adding a little bit of light sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
  4. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions

This Shepherd’s Pie pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables. It also makes for great leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Health Benefits

Lean ground beef provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins. Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the potatoes offer comforting carbohydrates. This dish is a well-balanced, nutritious option for those following a WW plan.

By following this detailed, professional recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Shepherd’s Pie with Beef that will become a family favorite. Enjoy the savory flavors and the comforting warmth of this dish. Happy cooking!