Creamy Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
This Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting twist on the classic dish, substituting traditional mashed potatoes with creamy pumpkin purée. Ground meat and sautéed vegetables create a hearty base, topped with smooth, flavorful pumpkin, then baked to golden perfection. A perfect autumnal meal that combines savory and subtle sweetness in a wholesome casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Pumpkin Topping
- 2 cups pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots, sautéing until tender, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground meat, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat apart with a spatula.
- Combine Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas to the meat mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until peas are heated through. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Pumpkin Topping: In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin purée with milk or cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon the pumpkin topping over the meat layer and spread smoothly to cover the filling.
- Bake Until Set: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin topping is set and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the shepherd’s pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the topping to firm up.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste to the meat mixture for more depth of flavor.
- For a vegan alternative, use plant-based ground meat and a non-dairy milk in the pumpkin topping.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Try topping with shredded cheese before baking for an extra rich finish.
Keywords: pumpkin shepherd’s pie, autumn recipe, ground meat casserole, pumpkin topping, comfort food
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/creamy-pumpkin-shepherds-pie-recipe/
