Child Feeding , Family Feeding , Meal Prep , Recipes
Cajun Shepard’s Pie
This is my take on traditional Shepard’s Pie. I use “backyard steak,” my husband’s term for venison, which can be hunted in the marsh behind my home. I also add in some Cajun seasonings and hot sauce.
This meal is a great make ahead dish, a great way to introduce older babies to mixed foods, and it’s a meal that includes all of the food groups!
Cajun Shepard’s Pie
A cajun take on traditional Shepard's Pie
Ingredients
Base/Meat mixture
- 1 pound ground venison (or other ground meat)
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots large, diced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup peas frozen
Topping/potatoes
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat heavy bottomed pot to medium high.
- Add ground beef and stir to break up into crumbles as it cooks, for about 10-15 minutes, until all of the meat is browned.
- Remove from heat, drain grease, but leave approximately one tablespoon to coat the pan.
- Add onion and carrots, sauté on medium heat until the carrots are al dente, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking and scorching.
- Then, add garlic, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and broth.
- Reduce to simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the peas and turn off heat.
Topping/potatoes
- While the meat mixture simmers, wash (peeling optional), then dice into one inch chunks.
- Put into boiling pot, add enough water to fully submerge the potatoes.
- Bring to boil for 10minutes, use a fork at 10 minutes to check for doneness (the potato chunk should split easily).
- When done pour into strainer to remove water, then return potatoes to pot with butter and 1 tsp of salt, smash with a potato smasher, large fork, or wooden spoon until fluffy and smooth.
- Add more salt and/or butter to taste.
Notes
This recipe is the “I planned this meal and had lots of time.” My quick version is available as well, check it out for a similar meal, with the same great flavor, and half the work!
