Shepherd’s pie has been a comfort food staple for generations, and it has always been about the ground meat and comforting vegetable medley covered in a thick layer of mashed potatoes.
HelloFresh has flipped this idea on its head, however, and now offers a vegetarian version that is equally satisfying and flavorful. Hellofresh shepherd’s pie mushroom swaps out the meat for mushrooms, and the outcome is a dish that is both rich and wholesome.
Also, the mushrooms add an extra layer of umami flavor that makes this dish even better. Let’s talk about how you can make this HelloFresh favorite at home!
HelloFresh Shepherd’s Pie Mushroom
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: The Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
Step 1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and dice the Yukon Gold potatoes into ½-inch pieces.
- Place them in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid, then drain and return potatoes to the pot.
Step 2. Sauté the Vegetables
- While the potatoes cook, trim and quarter the mushrooms.
- Peel and finely dice the carrots and onion.
- Strip the thyme leaves from the stems and mince them.
- Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a medium, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat.
- Add mushrooms and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil, then stir in carrots, diced onion, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring, until veggies are softened, about 5-7 minutes more.
Step 3. Create the Filling
- Stir 1 tbsp butter into the pan with veggies until melted.
- Add minced thyme, garlic powder, and flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste until incorporated, about 1 minute.
- Pour in ¾ cup water and the vegetable stock concentrates, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if your pan isn’t ovenproof.
Step 4. Mash the Potatoes
- Mash the diced potatoes with the sour cream, half the Cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the remaining potato cooking liquid as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5. Assemble and Broil
- Heat the broiler to high.
- When the filling has thickened, top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them in an even layer and leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- Broil the shepherd’s pie until the cheese is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie
Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano gives a bright flavor that dried herbs can’t compete with.
- Cheese alternatives: While white cheddar is recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Gruyère or Parmesan for a change of flavor.
- Vegetable alternatives: Include other vegetables like peas or corn for sweetness and diversity.
- Tips for texture: To create a creamy mashed potato top, pour in a splash of milk or cream while mashing.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing and mashed potatoes in advance, then serve and fry close to the time of serving for a quick weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions for HelloFresh Shepherd’s Pie Mushroom
- Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the shepherd’s pie.
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: These vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine complements the earthy mushroom flavors.
- Carrot Cake: Its spiced notes can complement the savory shepherd’s pie.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to come to room temperature.
- Pour into a covered container and refrigerate for 3 days.
Reheating:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the shepherd’s pie into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot all the way through.
- For a crunchy top, remove the foil for the final 5 minutes of baking.
- Proper storage and reheating allow you to enjoy this delicious dish even on your busiest days.
Conclusion: A Comforting Meal for All
HelloFresh Shepherd’s Pie Mushroom is a classic dish. This one offers a great twist, resulting in a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for both vegetarians and meat eaters. With its rich mushroom filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it is a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table.
Nutrition
Total Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 860mg | Total Carbohydrate: 67g | Dietary Fiber: 10g | Total Sugars: 17g | Protein: 18g | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 3mg | Potassium: 1440mg
FAQ
What type of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or button mushrooms are great, but shiitake adds a deeper flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the meat for lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe contains flour, which is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative.
What can I use instead of white cheddar cheese?
You can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
How can I add more protein to this vegetarian dish?
Consider adding lentils or chickpeas to the vegetable filling for an extra protein boost.