Description
Hearty Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie blends classic comfort with seasonal warmth, merging traditional Irish flavors and autumn’s golden bounty. Savory ground meat, creamy pumpkin mash, and rich herbs create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on crisp evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or lamb
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 large carrot
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 large russet potatoes
Pumpkin Topping:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Liquids and Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Thickener:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Sauté ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned and no pink remains, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and green peas into the skillet, cooking until vegetables become tender and slightly softened.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme and rosemary into the meat mixture, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Whip pumpkin puree with milk and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl, creating a smooth and creamy mash. Season the pumpkin mixture with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the savory meat and vegetable blend into a prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully spread the pumpkin mash over the meat layer, creating a uniform top coating that completely covers the filling.
- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate thorough heating.
- Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
- Use sweet potato instead of pumpkin for a different flavor profile and added nutritional variety.
- Enhance texture by adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top before baking for a crispy golden crust.
- Reduce cooking time by preparing meat mixture and pumpkin mash in advance, making weeknight dinner preparation faster and more convenient.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 441 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg