Imagine a dish that combines the hearty comfort of a classic shepherd's pie with the health-conscious approach of the South Beach diet. This mouthwatering recipe transforms the traditional comfort food into a nutritious powerhouse that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you feeling satisfied. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a delicious, wholesome meal, this South Beach Shepherd's Pie is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that proves healthy eating never has to be boring!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in diced carrots and peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Season the beef and vegetable mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9x9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, creating an even layer that completely covers the filling.
- Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato surface, which will crisp up during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the shepherd's pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve hot, portioning into individual servings and enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of this South Beach-style shepherd's pie.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to keep the dish in line with South Beach diet principles while maintaining great flavor.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Potato Topping Trick: For extra crispiness, try broiling the potato topping for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth to the beef mixture.
- Portion Control: Use a sharp knife to create clean, even portions that look as good as they taste.
- Leftover Love: This shepherd's pie reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
