Shepherd's Pie with Ground Pork

5 from 1 vote

Shepherd's Pie with Ground Pork

Shepherd's pie made with ground pork, carrots, peas, and fluffy mashed potatoes, baked until golden, is an easy, hearty, make-ahead casserole.

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Bake15

Total Time1 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Canadian

Keyword: shepherd's pie with ground pork, easy dinner, casserole, make ahead, shepherd's pie

Servings:

Calories: 474kcal

Author: Donna Poirier

Equipment

4-quart medium saucepan
12-inch nonstick skillet
2-quart broiler-safe casserole dish (8 cup) mine was 9-inches by 6-inches by 2-inches

Ingredients

Potatoes

2 pounds yellow potatoes or russet potatoes cut into ¼-inch slices
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons salted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Meat Filling

1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion diced
1 large carrot
1 pound or 454 grams lean ground pork
1 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worchestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup water
½ cup quick oats
¾ cup frozen peas

Optional Garnish

Optional: Garnish with finely chopped chives

Instructions

Heat Oven: Set the oven rack to the middle position, then heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a 4-quart saucepan with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, then bring to a boil (no lid needed). Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until tender and easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the saucepan. Mash, then fold in the butter, cover, and set aside.
2 pounds yellow potatoes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons salted butter, Salt and pepper to taste
Tenderize Pork: Add the ground pork to a small bowl, then dissolve the baking soda in water and pour the mixture over the pork, mixing well. Set aside.
1 tablespoon water, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, 1 pound or 454 grams lean ground pork
Sauté Vegetables & Pork: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, and cook until the carrots begin to soften, about 8 minutes. Then add the ground pork, and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat begins to brown.
1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 large carrot, 1 pound or 454 grams lean ground pork
Seasonings: Add the remaining ingredients, except the peas, which you’ll add later. Stir, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking. If the oats stick, add a bit more water.
1 tablespoon fresh sage, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Worchestershire Sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 3 cloves garlic, ¾ cup water, ½ cup quick oats
Add Peas: Off the heat, stir in the peas.
¾ cup frozen peas
Assemble: Add the meat mixture to a small broiler-safe casserole dish and spread it evenly. Dollop the potatoes over the meat, then lightly spread them with a spoon to fully cover the filling. Sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese.
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Bake & Enjoy: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. If you’d like a little more color on the potatoes, broil the casserole for 3-5 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before digging in, and enjoy!
Optional: Garnish with finely chopped chives

Notes

Tip: When I make mashed potatoes, I cut them into ¼-inch slices instead of large chunks. The increased surface area exposed with the boiling water helps the potatoes cook faster.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This is one of those meals that is perfect to make ahead of time because it reheats so well. It can be made up to 3 days in advance. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.

Storage Instructions

In the refrigerator: Cool leftovers, and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Shepherd's pie keeps for up to three days. Tip: Portion cooled leftovers and freeze for a future meal.

❄️ In the Freezer: Shepherd's pie can be frozen. Will it be at its best? Yes and no. Potatoes don't always freeze very well; they can get grainy. Tip: If you plan to freeze, increase the amount of butter from 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup; the added fat helps the potatoes retain their integrity.

Having said all that, to freeze the entire casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. To reheat, remove and discard the plastic wrap, cover again with foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition