– **Title**: Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups pulled pork (cooked)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared, homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the pulled pork to the skillet along with the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and warm.
5. Spread the pulled pork mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
6. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the pulled pork mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula.
7. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
10. Serve warm and enjoy your Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled Pork: Use leftover pulled pork for easy prep. If you don’t have any, you can swap it out with ground beef or turkey for a classic shepherd’s pie twist. Cooked lentils also make a great vegetarian option!
Frozen Peas and Corn: Both add sweetness and color. If fresh veggies are available, go for them! Substituting green beans or carrots works well too. Note that frozen veggies are a time-saver and still nutritious!
Onion: Yellow onions are best for sautéing due to their sweetness. If you’re out, shallots or even green onions can work in a pinch. Just remember they have a different flavor profile!
Mashed Potatoes: Homemade mashed potatoes will taste great, but store-bought is perfectly fine for convenience. If you want something lighter, consider swapping half the potatoes with cauliflower mash.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce or coconut aminos can be a good alternative. Just adjust the salt amount, as these can be saltier!
How Can I Get the Mashed Potatoes Crispy on Top?
Creating a crispy layer on your mashed potatoes is all about texture and exposure to heat. Here’s how to achieve that golden surface:
- Use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the mashed potatoes. These will catch the heat and crisp up nicely while baking.
- Broil for a couple of minutes at the end if you want extra crispiness. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
- Don’t over-mix the mashed potatoes, as this can lead to a dense texture. Fluff them gently instead!
How to Make Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups pulled pork (cooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and 25 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a cozy and quick meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps to make sure everything cooks evenly while you prepare the filling.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant and lovely!
3. Prepare the Pulled Pork Mixture:
Now it’s time to add the pulled pork, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional smoked paprika to the skillet. Then, toss in the frozen peas and corn. Season everything with salt and pepper to suit your taste and let this mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and everything is melded together nicely.
4. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Take your pulled pork mixture and spoon it into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. This will be the hearty base of your shepherd’s pie.
5. Add the Mashed Potatoes:
Top your pulled pork mixture with the prepared mashed potatoes. Spread them evenly all over. For a little extra crispiness, use a fork to create some texture on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
6. Bake Until Golden:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top of the mashed potatoes is golden brown and beautifully inviting.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch. Enjoy your comforting and hearty Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Substitute the Pulled Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pulled pork, you can use other shredded meats like chicken or beef. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini instead of the meat.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
Leftovers can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave. For the oven, cover the dish with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. If using the microwave, heat individual portions in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes for a quick and easy alternative! Just prepare them according to the package instructions before spreading them over the meat mixture. For added flavor, consider mixing in some butter, garlic, or cheese.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. If freezing, it’s best to do so before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
