Italian Shepherd’s Pie

Italian Shepherd’s Pie is a delightful twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, infusing it with robust Italian flavors. This comforting dish layers savory ground beef or sausage simmered in a rich tomato sauce with Italian herbs like basil and oregano, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes mixed with Parmesan cheese. The finishing touch of mozzarella cheese melted over the top brings a gooey, delightful texture that makes each bite irresistibly delicious. Ideal for a filling family dinner or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, Italian Shepherd’s Pie is a satisfying meal that combines the best of both culinary worlds.

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• For the Mashed Potato Topping:
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the peas and carrots. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
   • While the meat cooks, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
   • Mash the potatoes with milk, butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Pie:
   • Spread the meat filling in an even layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish or large ovenproof skillet. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat and spread into an even layer.
   • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mozzarella is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the Italian Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is excellent on its own or accompanied by a simple green salad.

This Italian Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and delightful meal that brings a new layer of flavor to a traditional dish. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or bringing a taste of Italy to your dinner table in an unexpected, comforting form.