Shepherd's pie, a classic Quebecois recipe, is a comforting dish that has been with us for generations. But why not think outside the box and give it a new flavor? In this article, we present four shepherd's pie recipes that reinvent this traditional family dish while preserving its warm and friendly feel. Get ready to discover international and tasty versions that will bring a little originality to your table!

To save time in the kitchen, use the new Épurée puree from l’épicier! Vary the filling of your shepherd's pies by using the classic mashed potatoes, the mashed potatoes with cheese curds or even the carrot puree!

Irish Shepherd's Pie with minced lamb

This version of shepherd's pie is inspired by the famous Irish Shepherd's Pie . Replacing the traditional beef with minced lamb, this dish offers a depth of flavor and a touch of refinement, while remaining simple to prepare.

Meat Mix (6 servings)

  • 2 c. tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 454g minced lamb (or beef) l’épicier
  • 2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn

To prepare the meat filling, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ground lamb, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the meat is browned. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, flour, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Add the stock, frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.

Mashed potatoes

  • 800g Russet (white) potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
  • 115 g unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup 15% cream
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender (about 10-15 minutes).
Drain the potatoes, then mash them with the rest of the ingredients until you get a smooth purée.

Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish, then spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Let your shepherd's pie cool for 15 minutes before serving.

A recipe for Shepherd's Pie served in an oval casserole dish on a wooden board

Brazilian Casserole (Brazilian Shepherd's pie)

Let's head to Brazil with Escondidinho , a delicious casserole made with ground chicken or beef, topped with mashed cassava or potatoes (for a more affordable alternative). This colorful and hearty dish is perfect for adding a unique touch to your menu, while retaining the comforting feel of shepherd's pie.

Meat Mix (6 servings)

  • 700g minced chicken or beef l’épicier
  • 1 cup pureed tomatoes
  • 1 big onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1/3 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 sprig of rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté the garlic and onions in butter until translucent. Add the tomatoes and herbs and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the flour, Parmesan cheese, and crushed tomatoes. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat, stir in the egg yolk, and season with salt and pepper.

Mashed potatoes

  • 700g Russet (white) potatoes
  • 225g cream cheese
  • 1 cup of 35% cream
  • Pinch of nutmeg to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain the potatoes, then mash them while still hot. Heat the heavy cream and cream cheese in a saucepan until the cheese melts. Mix this cream with the mashed potatoes, and season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes and mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

A terracotta plate contains a portion of shepherd's pie according to a Brazilian recipe.

Pastel of papas from Argentina

Argentinean Pastel de Papas is another international variation of shepherd's pie that's worth trying. Made with ground beef and accompanied by a classic Argentine filling (eggs, olives, and raisins), this dish is rich in flavor and offers a delicious sweet-savory contrast.

Mashed potatoes

  • 6 large white potatoes
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/3 cup grated cheese (Parmesan or Manchego)
  • 1 cup of milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Peel and quarter the potatoes, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, drain, and mash with a potato masher or electric mixer. Add the remaining ingredients and set aside.

Meat mix

  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, cooled
  • 1 kg ground beef l’épicier
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup raisins soaked in hot water
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata black olives
  • 7 g of powdered beef broth l’épicier
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Parmesan or Manchego cheese as a garnish
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil. Add the tomato and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the ground beef and season with paprika, red pepper flakes, and beef broth. Sauté until the meat is cooked through and almost dry. Chop the hard-boiled eggs and olives and add them to the meat along with the raisins, then mix gently.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In an ovenproof dish, spread a layer of mashed potatoes, then a layer of meat, and finish with another layer of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with Parmesan or Manchego cheese, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Sweet potato and sausage shepherd's pie

If you're looking for a more local take on shepherd's pie, try this sweet potato and sausage version. The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness, while the sausages deliver a punchy flavor. This bold combination of flavors transforms this classic dish into a true explosion of flavors, while remaining simple and inviting.

Ingredients (4 servings)

  • 800g sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise
  • 2 c. tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 mild or hot Italian sausages l’épicier, the casing removed, in pieces
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 540 ml black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 package (142 g) baby spinach
  • 1 cup chopped parsley
  • 3 tbsp. butter
  • 1 cup grated sharp orange cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 450°F and position rack in the upper third. Arrange potatoes, skin side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a knife tip easily pierces through.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage meat. Add the scallions and garlic, and cook for a few minutes without browning. Add more oil if needed. Stir in the beans and spinach, mixing gently until the spinach wilts. Remove from the heat, stir in the parsley, season, and set aside.

Once the potatoes are cooked, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and mash it in a bowl with the butter. Season, then add the cheese. Spread this mash over the sausage mixture, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and add a drizzle of oil.

Grill the pâté for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly before serving.

A rectangular casserole dish contains a recipe for sweet potato and sausage shepherd's pie.

These four reimagined versions of shepherd's pie are perfect for adding a little variety to your family menu. Whether you're tempted by a culinary escapade to Argentina, Ireland, or Brazil, or simply prefer to give a new twist to a classic, these unusual shepherd's pie recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. So, get cooking and let these new flavors tempt you!

sources:
https://www.oliviascuisine.com/beef-mashed-potatoes-casserole-brazilian-escondidinho/#mv-creation-20-jtr
https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-shepherds-pie/#recipe
https://www.southamericatotheworld.com/shepherds-pie-argentinian-style-or-pastel-de-papas-from-argentina/
https://cuisinez.telequebec.tv/recettes/7888/pate-pas-tres-chinois-de-patate-douces-et-saucisses