Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie With Mashed Potatoes?
I’m a big fan of shepherd’s pie. I love the savory filling and the fluffy mashed potatoes on top. But sometimes, I don’t have time to make it from scratch.
I was thrilled to discover that you could freeze shepherd’s pie with mashed potatoes!
Start by prepping your filling. You can use any recipe or a simple mix of ground beef, veggies, and gravy.
Once the filling is ready, spoon it into a baking dish. Then, top it with your favorite mashed potato recipe. Make sure the potatoes are spread evenly over the top of the pie.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350 degrees until heated. Enjoy!
Shepherd’s pie is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.
And now that I know how easy it is to freeze, I always have some on hand for those busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Do you love shepherd’s pie but don’t always have time to cook it? Or maybe you’ve cooked a big batch and have leftovers that you don’t want to waste. Either way, freezing it is a great option!
This is how to freeze shepherd’s pie – cooked or uncooked:
Cooked: bake the pie, and then allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Uncooked: simply assemble the pie according to the recipe instructions and then freeze.
Which way is easier? And which way tastes better? This blog post will show you how to freeze them. We will also provide tips on the best reheating ways.
Let’s get started!
What is a Shepherd’s Pie?
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Shepherd’s pie, cottage pie, or hachis Parmentier is a traditional English or Irish dish made with minced lamb or beef, a crust, or a topping of mashed potato. It is most likely of English origin.
It originally served as an economical alternative for the poor who could not afford meat on Fridays. The name comes from “shepherd” because it was traditionally cooked in a casserole resembling a small oven tray.
Where Did Shepherd’s Pie Originate?
It first came about in Ireland in the 1800s. People tried to be frugal and make food from what they had back then. They were also trying to figure out how to use the leftovers that husbands and children would reject.
It was delicious, even though it was created as a way to utilize leftovers. There are many variations in the dish. However, its basic form remains consistent.
There’s a mashed potato crust on top and bottom. Minced beef is used in the dish. On the other hand, A Cottage Pie uses beef, while a Shepherd’s Pie includes lamb or mutton instead.
What is Shepherd’s Pie Made of?
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Although there are many different versions (some with vegetables and some without), we will focus on the traditional version. Traditionally, this dish consists of meat, vegetables, and potatoes.
Traditionally, the meat used is lamb or mutton (sheep). However, it’s not uncommon to see beef being used instead–and sometimes veal too! Some people also like to add cheese for an Irish twist on the traditional recipe when making this dish.
A dish has a lot of versions. But the essential ingredients are meat cooked in gravy or sauce, onions, and mashed potatoes.
Sometimes people add other vegetables to the filling. They might add peas, sweetcorn, carrots, or celery. Sometimes the filling is also grated with cheese.
What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie are very similar; however, there is a difference. The main differences come from their ingredients:
A Shepherd’s Pie includes lamb or mutton (sheep) as its meat base, while a cottage pie uses beef instead.
While both include mashed potatoes for the crust, a shepherd’s pie typically includes it on the top and bottom, while cottage pie only has one layer.
How to Freeze
There are two main ways to freeze: cooked or uncooked.
How to Freeze Cooked or Baked Pie?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to freeze, cooking it first is the way to go. You must cook the pie according to the recipe instructions and then allow it to cool completely before freezing.
The downside of this method is that the pie won’t be as fresh once it’s thawed and reheated.
How to Freeze Uncooked or Unbaked Pie?
If you’re looking for a way to freeze that will taste fresher, then freezing it unbaked is the way to go. To do this, simply assemble the pie according to the recipe instructions and then freeze it.
When ready to bake, simply thaw the pie overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
The downside of this method is that it takes a bit more time and effort upfront.
Which Way is Better?
No matter how you freeze them, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil before freezing. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the pie fresh tasting.
They can be frozen for up to three months.
How to Cook
How to Cook in the Oven?
To make it, you should start by preparing the meat. After cutting it into small pieces, you’ll have to fry them in a pan before adding other ingredients and cooking them for about 40 minutes.
While this is happening, you can also boil the potatoes. Once the potatoes are ready, you’ll have to mash them and mix them with butter or milk until they become creamy.
Then it’s time to add salt and pepper–that’s all!
Now it’s just a matter of putting everything together in an oven-friendly dish before baking for around 40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat
Cooked or Baked Pie
If you’re reheating a pie that was cooked and then frozen, the best way to do it is by taking it out of the freezer the day before you want to eat it.
Then, you have to put it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes.
Uncooked or Unbaked Pie
On the other hand, reheating a shepherd’s frozen and unbaked pie will take a bit longer–around 50 minutes to an hour.
Just make sure to follow the instructions on the recipe you’re using!
How to Make
Credit: canva
It is a hearty dish that will keep you warm during winter. These recipes are easy to make and can be made in large batches for your family, friends, or yourself.
All the ingredients are cheap and readily available at any grocery store, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on this fantastic comfort food.
Easy Classic Recipe
This simple recipe is the most basic and classic.
Ingredients:
For potato topping
2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
salt and pepper, to taste
For meat filling
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 1/2 pounds of ground lamb or lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste or tomato puree
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 cup frozen peas
Method:
Put the potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Put the pot on the stove and turn it to high. Cook for 13-15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when sticking them with a fork.
Take the potatoes out of the pot and put them in a colander. Add milk, butter, a pinch of salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or fork until creamy.
Preheat your oven to medium heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Put oil on the stove in a large oven-safe pan and turn it to medium. Put onions and garlic in the pan. Cook them for 1 minute. Then add carrots, celery, and lamb to the pan. Cook the meat mixture for 8-10 minutes or until the meat is browned; use a spatula to break up the meat while cooking.
Drain the fat or excess grease from the pan and add broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes until it’s slightly thick.
Add the frozen peas and stir together. Turn off the stove and use the back of your spatula to flatten the meat into a single layer.
Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat. The mashed potatoes make it taste good.
Bake until most of the masher has turned golden brown. Do this for about 25-30 minutes. If you want, you can also broil the top for 1-2 minutes, so it becomes crispy and golden crust too.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Vegetarian or vegan recipes can be made by changing out the ground lamb for vegetables such as mushrooms and lentils.
Sea salt or kosher salt, and black pepper (to taste)
For filling
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
1 generous pinch of each sea salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups uncooked brown or green lentils (rinsed and drained)
4 cups vegetable stock
2 tsp fresh thyme (or sub 1 tsp dried thyme per 2 tsp fresh)
1 10-ounce bag of frozen vegetables (mixed veggies)
Method:
Slice large potatoes in half. Put them in a pot and fill them with cold water. Boil on medium-high for between 20-30 minutes or until you can easily slide the potato off a knife.
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pot and add them back to it. Then they will evaporate the water. Transfer them to a bowl and mash them with a potato masher or fork until they are smooth. Add vegan butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then grease a 2-quart baking dish with some oil.
In a big pot, cook the onions and garlic in olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Add lentils, stock, and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the temperature to simmer. Cook for 35-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Remove the lid when it’s done cooking, then keep cooking until there’s no more liquid left in the soup stirring every few minutes.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen veggies, stir, and cover to meld the flavors together.
Taste your food. Adjust the seasonings if needed, and then put them in a casserole dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top and add some pepper and salt.
Put the dish on a baking sheet to ensure they don’t spill over. Cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the top is lightly brown.
Let cool briefly before serving.
Is Shepherd’s Pie Healthy?
This dish is not healthy. It’s very high in carbs, sodium, and fat. Additionally, this food does not contain much vegetables or fiber. Eating it every day might not be good.
It contains saturated fats from meat and butter, and it doesn’t contain any vegetables. This dish is a good source of protein but has high amounts of fat and carbs from the potatoes.
Is Shepherd’s Pie Good for You?
It isn’t exactly “good for you.” But that can also depend on how much meat you use.
For example, if you’re using lean meat like ground chicken or turkey, it’ll be much lower in fat and contain more protein than traditional beef (or lamb).
Is Shepherd’s Pie Bad for You?
It is not bad for you inherently. However, the ingredients used in this dish are generally considered to be bad for you.
For example, the meat is usually ground beef or lamb (which contains saturated fat). The potatoes typically include butter and milk, which contain high amounts of sodium and cholesterol, and they don’t even contain any vegetables!
They were made by baking the pie crust, adding leftover meat bits and gravy, and baking it. When the dish went from Scotland to Ireland, they skipped the pastry and used their abundance of potatoes. They created mashed potato topping.
Can you freeze shepherd’s pie?
After baking, let it cool, cover it with foil, and put it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, take it out of the freezer and put it in an oven at 350 degrees—Bake for 1 hour.
Can you reheat shepherd’s pie in the oven?
Cover your pie tightly with foil and bake it for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Can you leave shepherd’s pie out overnight?
Yes, it is okay. I do this all the time because it is too hot to put in the refrigerator when we eat dinner late at night, so I leave it out until morning. And I have never had food poisoning. It will be fine if you heat it again before eating.
