Recipe: Classic Shepherd's Pie (a comfort food recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Why is shepherd's pie good for the elderly? ›

On the positive side, popular ready meal versions of dishes like roast dinners and shepherd's pie are good sources of protein, which is particularly important for the elderly.

Traditionally, shepherd's pie is made with lamb mince, vegetables and mashed potato. The meat is added to an aromatic combination of softened carrot, onion and celery, known in French cooking as a mirepoix, which is then loosened up with stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and bay leaves to make a tasty gravy.

I never shy away from the excuse to celebrate anything Irish. What's not to love about shepherd's pie? It's got ground beef, or lamb, with mushrooms, onion, corn, peas and carrots cooked in a delicious gravy sauce that's topped with a mashed potato crust that's baked in the oven.

Talk about satisfying. Ground beef, vegetables, and gravy are baked under pillowy mashed potatoes. If it's not yet already, this will soon be a family favorite recipe.

White meats like chicken or turkey are great meats for seniors to add to their diets. However, red meat offers benefits as well in the right quantities. The thing is to avoid fatty cuts and opt for more lean meat (in addition to moderating your red meat intake).

Sometime in the 18th century, a dish called “cottage pie” came about somewhere in the vast expanse of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It seems to have originated as a way for folks to make use of leftovers, in order to avoid waste, both of the food and money varieties.

The main difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd's pie is cottage pie uses ground beef, and Shepherd's pie uses ground lamb. Both pies are cooked with vegetables and gravy and baked under a layer of mashed potatoes. To make Shepherd's pie using this recipe, simply substitute ground lamb.

The dish originates from the British Isles, but some might argue that it is an Irish dish by origin. The name "Shepherd's Pie" was first recorded in an 1877 cookbook. In this same cookbook, it was noted that the dish was of Scottish origin. During the period between the 18th and 19th centuries, money was very tight.

The Shepherd's Pie has saucy ground meat and vegetables covered in a a mashed potato crust, sprinkled with shredded cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection.

What is Costco shepherd's pie made of? ›

Ingredients: Beef and/or veal, vegetable sauce (water, onion, green peas, corn, seasoning [sugars [glucose solids, dextrose, maltodextrin], flour, modified cornstarch, canola oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, [ tomato, onion, beet, garlic], modified cellulose, beef extract, disodium guanylate, ...

There is quite often confusion over the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie. Both are made the same way – a beef mince filling in a gravy sauce that is topped with mashed potato, sprinkled with parmesan then baked.

The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.

Soy sauce: Soy sauce offers a savory, umami-rich flavor that can substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Use it in equal parts or adjust to taste. Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, similar to Worcestershire sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

If your casserole is too runny, chances are you either didn't add enough flour to thicken the gravy or you didn't simmer it long enough to reduce the liquid. Also, make sure your potatoes are thoroughly drained before making the mashed potatoes, so the topping is not too sloppy.

A Brief History of the Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is believed to have been invented in the early 1800s. During this time, housewives were struggling to find innovative ways to recycle the leftovers that their husbands and kids had turned up their noses at. Back then, the struggle was real just as it is today.

Tooth decay, tooth loss, or poorly fitting dentures might lead to discomfort and hinder one's ability to effectively chew hard-textured foods. For older adults who have difficulty chewing their food, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes can be good soft food options.

Your need for calcium for strong bones and teeth will increase, so extra serves of low fat milk, yoghurt and cheese are important. Other good sources of calcium are tinned salmon, sardines, leafy greens like spinach, kale and bok choy, sesame seeds (and tahini) and almonds.