Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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This Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie is a quick and easy take on a classic comfort food, with a savory beef filling, a creamy mashed potato topping, and optional melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish for a hearty, satisfying meal, and it’s all made in your air fryer!

Duration:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef Filling:

  1. Preheat your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
  3. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
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2. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

  1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Once the beef mixture is done, transfer it to a heatproof baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket.
  2. Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture, making sure to cover the filling completely.
  3. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the mashed potatoes.

3. Cook in the Air Fryer:

  1. Air Fry the Shepherd’s Pie: Carefully place the assembled dish into the preheated air fryer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
    • Note: If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, you may need to cook the dish in batches or reduce the recipe size.

4. Serve:

  1. Remove from Air Fryer: Once the shepherd’s pie is cooked, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer.
  2. Cool Slightly: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot, so give it some time to set before digging in.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this shepherd’s pie. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious!

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience, but homemade mashed potatoes will provide a richer and creamier texture. The choice is yours!

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to bulk up the filling.

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Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and mashed potatoes in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, assemble the dish and air fry as directed.

Q: Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled shepherd’s pie before cooking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and air fry as usual.

Q: Can I make this without cheese?
A: Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version. The mashed potatoes will still be delicious, and the dish will remain just as hearty!

Tips & Variations:

  • Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the filling, such as corn, peas, or even some diced potatoes for extra texture.
  • Spices: You can customize the flavor by adding additional spices like rosemary or paprika to the beef filling for a little extra kick.
  • Top with Crispy Potatoes: If you like a crispy top, you can add a little extra butter or oil to the mashed potatoes before air frying.

Enjoy this easy, comforting Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie, a dish that’s packed with flavor and the perfect way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

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