Shepherds pie is classic comfort food. Whats not to love about the layer of veggies, meat sauce, and luscious mashed potatoes? SO delicious! I added a Greek twist by swapping out the classic carrots, peas, and corn (actually, I kept the corn) with Briam, Greek Ratatouille. I also added some feta cheese and we fell in love with this dish. Gone in minutes! Follow my easy tutorial and I highly recommend that you make a double batch for the freezer.Print this recipe here: https://www.dimitrasdishes.com/greek-style-shepherds-pie-w-briam/INGREDIENTSFor the mashed potatoes: 2 and lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 and cups whole milk, lukewarm 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper, to tasteFor the meat sauce: 2 pounds ground meat (beef, chicken, lamb) 1 eggplant, peeled and diced and seasoned with salt 1 small onion, finely chopped cup olive oil 6 garlic cloves, grated 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, pureed Salt and black pepper, to taste Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsleyFor the Vegetable (Briam) Layer: 1 zucchini, diced 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 cup canned tomatoes, pureed 5 ounces (142 g) spinach, roughly chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes Pinch of sugar, if needed 1-2 cups frozen or canned corn 1 teaspoon dried crushed oregano 4 ounces (113 g) feta cheese, crumbledINSTRUCTIONSPreheat the oven to 425 F, 220 C.Make the Mashed Potatoes:Place potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Season with 1-2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes.Add the butter and mash until it is absorbed. Then slowly add the milk. Mix until smooth.Season with salt and black pepper.Note: You can make the mashed potatoes 2 ways: add just enough milk until they are at the consistency that you like. Or, add all of the milk and then cook the mixture over medium heat until thickened (bechamel sauce texture). Its up to you.Add the parmesan cheese and mix it all together then, set it aside.Make the meat filling:Cook the onions with the olive oil over medium heat until soft and golden. About 8 minutes. Add the garlic and warm through about 20 seconds.Add the ground meat and cook for 3-4 minutes.Pat the eggplant pieces dry and add to the meat.Add the seasonings and the pureed tomatoes. Cook over medium heat until the eggplant is soft and mushy, and the sauce is thick. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley and set aside.Make the Vegetable (Briam) Layer:Cook the onions with olive oil over medium heat until soft. About 5 minutes.Add the garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini.Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes.Add the tomato puree and cook until the vegetables are soft, and the sauce thickens.Add the spinach and cook until wilted.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add sugar if the sauce is too acidic.Assemble the Shepherds Pie:Place the Briam (vegetable) layer in the bottom of a 9 by 13 by a 3-inch baking pan. Add some corn, if desired. Crumble some feta cheese on top.Spread the meat sauce over the vegetables and feta cheese.Top with the mashed potatoes and spread.Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden.You may turn the broiler element on for 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so that it does not burn.Set aside and allow it to set for at least 30 minutes.Serve!NOTESFreezer Notes: Once the Shepherds Pie is assembled it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure it cools completely, then, wrap it in plastic and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake in a preheated 425 F oven until the top is golden.Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dimitrasdishes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitras.dishes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dimitrasdis0637/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimitrasDishes Here are links to some of my favorite cooking tools. The links take you to Amazon where I'm proud to be an affiliate partner :) My cutting board: http://amzn.to/2e2p8ED Kitchen Aid Mixer: http://amzn.to/2dQXU0b Food Processor: http://amzn.to/2eXcvZd Microplane: http://amzn.to/2eL2vTo Madeleine Pan: http://amzn.to/2dQU1sm Cheesecake Pan: http://amzn.to/2eXaGeQ Vitamix Blender: http://amzn.to/2eXcvbH Nonstick pan: http://amzn.to/2eL804t Cast iron pan: http://amzn.to/2dQYfjs Pastry Bag: http://amzn.to/2e2v0xD Half sheet baking pans: http://amzn.to/2fcv7cD Thanks for watching! I'd love to see your recreations of these dishes so please share pics with me on social media :) Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and spread the word so that we can make the world more delicious!
