You may have spotted the Sainsbury campaign to Make Your Roast Go Further so as I’m always trying to cook economically I jumped at the chance to join in! I bought a lovely joint of beef and with some of the leftovers decided to make a Shepherd’s Pie. This was a bit of brave decision as the last one I’d made was at school and my children have refused to eat shop bought ones so it’s a dish we never have. My memory of my school experience was of the spoonfuls of potato disappearing into the beef/gravy mixture and it being a rather messy affair. This time I decided piping on the potato would solve any sinking issues and give a more even look.
I researched various Shepherd’s Pies and came up with this recipe in which I decided to use dried Porcini mushrooms (which I happened to have) and I have to say they gave a really intense richness to the dish. I did wish I’d had a mincer as chopping up the meat finely was quite a labour of love but the result was equally as good.
I was thoroughly rewarded for my effort as the result was 4 completely clean plates. I think the fact that it tasted nothing like the bland shop bought variety had a big part to play in this. I’ll definitely be making this again as it’s such a warming, comforting dish and a thoroughly good way to make your roast go further!
As this dish is made from scratch I am entering it in Javelin Warrior’s Made with Love Mondays event. I am also entering Karen at Lavender & Lovage’s Cooking with Herbs event as this dish uses mixed herbs. Next I am entering Elizabeth’s Kitchen’s No Waste Food Challenge as I have used up the beef and dried mushrooms that I had. Finally I am entering Credit Crunch Munch which I a hosting this month and run with Helen of Fuss Free Flavours as this dish is quite frugal especially if you use ordinary mushrooms.
- For mash topping:
- 700g Potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 25g Butter
- 15g Extra butter, to dot on top
- Salt & Pepper
- For base:
- 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil
- 1 Onion, finely diced
- 10g Dried Porcini mushrooms (rehydrated) or 50g Mushrooms, chopped
- 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- ½ tsp Dried English mustard powder
- ¼ tsp Mixed herbs
- 300 ml Beef or lamb stock, made with 1 stock cube
- 350g Cooked beef or lamb, ground or finely chopped
- Pepper
- Boil potatoes for 15 – 20 minutes in boiling water and then drain immediately (or they will go soggy).
- Meanwhile fry the onion gently in 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan for 5 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and fry for another minute.
- Add the tomatoes, ketchup, mustard powder, herbs, stock and pepper.
- Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a dish.
- Mash the potatoes with the butter, salt and pepper.
- Place the mash on the meat, (I find piping is the easiest option), then fluff up with a fork if desired.
- Dot the mash with flecks of butter and bake in the oven at 200°C for 25 minutes or until browned.
- Serve with your favourite vegetables.
Piping makes it easier to distribute the mashed potato!
Disclaimer: I was sent a shopping voucher by Sainsbury to cover the cost of my ingredients.
70 comments
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Sharon
27/04/2016 at 11:37 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This recipe always reminds me of my childhood at my grandparents 🙂
Camilla
28/04/2016 at 12:40 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Aah, love food memories;-)
Martin Heslip
20/01/2016 at 10:24 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I cook my veg with it, then let it cool…….my mash potato is made up of spuds, butter, a drop of milk, salt & pepper, (finely chopped celery and/or spring onions), optional….
Then spoon it on top and fluff it up with a fork……
Yummy……..Martin…..
Rahela
20/01/2016 at 7:05 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Love shepherd’s pie, I’ve got one in the freezer for tomorrow’s dinner
Martina Evans
26/11/2015 at 8:42 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
One of my favorite winter warming dishes, thanks for the recipe!
Mike
06/11/2015 at 4:01 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I only need one serving so can I freeze the others?
Camilla
06/11/2015 at 5:37 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Yes that would be fine:-)
Maya Russell
27/09/2015 at 7:15 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Just so happens I’m looking to use up some mince today and have dried mushrooms I picked & dried last week. Thanks again for the recipe.
Camilla
27/09/2015 at 11:26 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Perfect;-)
Emily Leary
10/09/2015 at 10:09 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Looks great. Love a good shepherd’s pie.
Camilla
10/09/2015 at 11:20 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Emily:-)
JingerKat
25/08/2015 at 3:13 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
It’s a miserable wet cold day here today ~this is the purrfect comfort food
Camilla
25/08/2015 at 8:19 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Same here and the forecast is for the same:-( Definitely weather for Shephard’s Pie!
Kaci Soderstrom
13/01/2015 at 9:01 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Ooh very yummy. I’d take out the mushrooms though as I don’t like them.. everything else sounds amazing though.
Susan Joyce Rogers
07/01/2015 at 11:13 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Great family favourite,a bit different,thanks
Jane Middleton
11/11/2014 at 8:54 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
great recipi, love the mushrooms in it
David C
03/11/2014 at 11:59 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
One of the best brtish dishes! 😀
Maddy
11/10/2014 at 10:45 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
A classic for a reason 😉
William Gould
19/09/2014 at 9:12 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Love it! Can’t beat a bit of good old fashioned stodge, especially on a cold winter’s day!
Geoff Clark
31/07/2014 at 5:34 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Looks like a hearty meal
Bev
13/06/2014 at 9:21 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Planning on following this recipe.
Camilla
13/06/2014 at 10:32 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Hope you enjoy it:-)
Herbert Appleby
10/06/2014 at 7:07 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Been in Beijing China for past two weeks so could do with a nice stomach settling classic like this.
Camilla
10/06/2014 at 11:47 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oh dear, sounds like you had a rough time tummy wise!
Bev
02/06/2014 at 1:10 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I can almost smell it!
Paul Wilson
15/04/2014 at 12:20 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
The Shepherd would have to queue behind me for this.
Camilla
17/04/2014 at 9:47 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
LOL:-)
Paul Wilson
20/09/2014 at 1:30 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks, I’m here all week. ;O)
Victoria
04/04/2014 at 6:26 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Yum, that looks great!
Paul Wilson
30/03/2014 at 12:05 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Love a nice Shepherd’s Pie.
Ursula Hunt
17/02/2014 at 1:41 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
The Grandchildren love shepherds pie
Paul Wilson
16/02/2014 at 2:40 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
A nice Shepherd’s Pie is just what you need in weather like this.
Maya Russell
08/02/2014 at 6:16 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’m making Shepherd’s Pie today. The recipe I have adds carrot and celery. I don’t have any porcini mushrooms but I will add some English mustard powder as your recipe does. Thanks for the inspiration.
headsy12
07/02/2014 at 7:27 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
The cottage pie looks lovely and you certainly entered a few comps with it didn’t you.
headsy12
07/02/2014 at 7:29 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
oops one of us does not know their cottage pie from shepherds pie. lol
Camilla
07/02/2014 at 11:37 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Trust me to find the only 2 books to misname it LOL and then adapt the recipes! It’s a poor excuse I know but a genuine one:-)
Tracy Nixon
06/02/2014 at 5:56 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love traditional recipes!
Elizabeth
01/02/2014 at 10:19 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’m a big fan of shepherd’s pie and this flavour combo sounds superb! I get that sinking potato thing happen on occasion too, especially with fish pie. I’ve learned that reducing the milk quantity in the mash helps keep the potatoes on top! Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe with the No Waste Food Challenge!
Camilla
01/02/2014 at 2:33 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Elizabeth:-)
clair downham
01/02/2014 at 9:50 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
my kids love shepherds pie but I have never tried it with porcini mushrooms so most give it a tryas it looks very yummy
Karen
28/01/2014 at 1:43 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Absolutely DELISH! I adore anything like this and your pie looks the business Camilla!
Camilla
30/01/2014 at 2:50 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Karen, you can’t beat traditional comfort food:-)
Tracy Nixon
27/01/2014 at 5:56 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
A traditional Winter warmer! Thank you!
Corina
25/01/2014 at 5:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love this but only make it for my daughter as my husband doesn’t like mince or mashed potatoes. I like the idea of putting the dried porcini mushrooms in as they have so much flavour.
Camilla
25/01/2014 at 5:20 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you:-)
Janine (J9)
25/01/2014 at 11:37 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
You can’t beat a Shepherds pie! A cottage pie… Any pie for that matter!! 🙂 Lovely Jubbly!
K Mayers
24/01/2014 at 10:46 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Never eaten Shepherd’s Pie with mushrooms in – porcini at that! I do love mushrooms too – eat them raw 🙂
I must admit I’ve never thought to put mustard in the recipe either – though perhaps that’s because I have a real fussy bunch of kids.
Camilla
24/01/2014 at 10:57 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
You really can’t taste the mustard specifically it just adds to the seasoning – the porcini really added a deep rich flavour to the mince though:-)
DANIELLE VEDMORE
24/01/2014 at 5:00 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Ooooh a firm family favourite! Never used dried mushrooms though – will have to give it a try!
Camilla
24/01/2014 at 5:06 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I hadn’t either Danielle but they have a really intense flavour and make a really good store cupboard item:-)
Janice
24/01/2014 at 4:22 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Love the new look Fab Food 4 All and a jolly tasty Shepherd’s pie!
Camilla
24/01/2014 at 5:07 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you so much:-) xx
Paul Wilson
24/01/2014 at 9:52 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Love a good Shepherd’s Pie.
Ursula Hunt
23/01/2014 at 4:23 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
One of my favorite winter warming dishes
Coombemill
22/01/2014 at 3:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
A perfect winter family meal! Popping by from made with love Mondays
Camilla
23/01/2014 at 4:38 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks so much:-)
Maya Russell
22/01/2014 at 6:15 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Dried mushrooms always give a good flavour to mince dishes. It looks good and the potato has not sunk!
Camilla
22/01/2014 at 8:57 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks, I think I need to get a mincer now then I’d make it more often:-)
Hafsah
22/01/2014 at 3:04 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Shepard’s pie is my absolute favourite food! I love it, but haven’t had it for a while!
Camilla
22/01/2014 at 8:58 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Yes I always liked it but it’s not something my mum ever made as she’s Danish so remember it from school mainly!
su tyler
21/01/2014 at 11:26 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I often make Shepards pie. Although I usually use left over lamb or lamb mince. I add some Worcestershire sauce instead of mustard.
A drop of Reggae Reggae sauce gives it good kick too.
Camilla
22/01/2014 at 9:00 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I add Worcester Sause to my Minced Beef & Ondions so that makes sense, the Porcini Mushrooms had such a strong flavour that I don’t think it was needed in this particular dish.
Elaine Livingstone
21/01/2014 at 11:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
well done on biting the bullet and being brave enough to overcome your childhood fear of this wonderful dish. Maybe it can become a staple in your home. They taste better on day 2 I always feel, once the flavours have had time to mingle
Camilla
22/01/2014 at 9:01 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
That would be a problem having any leftover as everyone wanted more so I think making it the day before would be the best solution in that case:-)
Herbert Appleby
21/01/2014 at 11:12 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
what a great choice, just right to give us the ready-break feeling at tea time as winter sets in. Your one looks really juicy and tasty as well with the super deep filling in it. : )
Camilla
22/01/2014 at 9:03 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks. You wouldn’t get such a deep filling in a shop bought one that’s for sure!
Javelin Warrior
21/01/2014 at 9:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Shepherd’s pie is always one of my favorite comfort foods – what’s better than beef with tomatoes and potatoes? And even better, it can be made with leftovers from the fridge… Deliciousness, Camilla!
Camilla
21/01/2014 at 10:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Mark, it’s good to recycle food isn’t it:-)
mellissa williams
21/01/2014 at 7:05 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This looks really delicious and perfect warming dish for the horrible weather we have been having.
Camilla
21/01/2014 at 10:10 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks, lets hope it doesn’t get any colder!