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Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie

Comforting Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie for Cozy Family Dinners

This Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie combines creamy pumpkin and tender beef for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Topping
  • 1 medium Butternut or Kent Pumpkin Can use half a Kent pumpkin for a traditional flavor.
  • 2 large Potatoes Any starchy potato will do.
  • 3 tablespoons Reduced Fat Butter/Spread Unsalted butter or margarine can be alternatives.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Can replace with any hard cheese like cheddar.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Extra Lean Ground Beef Ground turkey or chicken can be used.
  • 1 medium Brown Onion White onion can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2 medium Carrots Can substitute with parsnips or celery.
  • 1 medium Red Capsicum/Bell Pepper Green bell peppers work well too.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced or powdered garlic acceptable.
  • 2 medium Ripe Tomatoes Canned diced tomatoes can be swapped in.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Fresh peas or green beans can be alternatives.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Leaves Kale or Swiss chard can be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons Flat-Leaf Parsley Thyme or basil can be lovely alternatives.
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 1 cup Vegetable Stock Chicken stock can also be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Gravy Powder Cornflour/cornstarch can be used as an alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by peeling and cubing your butternut or Kent pumpkin and large potatoes. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the pumpkin and potato cubes. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until both are fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot, then mash with reduced-fat butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add finely chopped brown onion, diced carrots, and red capsicum. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and begin to caramelize. Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
  3. Add the extra lean ground beef to the vegetable mixture in the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until it's no longer pink.
  4. Once the beef is browned, incorporate chopped medium ripe tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, add in frozen peas, vegetable stock, and gravy powder, mixing well.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the creamy pumpkin and potato mash across the bottom. Pour your savory beef mixture evenly over the mash, then gently top with the remaining pumpkin mash. Sprinkle a generous layer of grated parmesan cheese across the top.
  6. Place the assembled Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Season well and avoid overcooking the beef. This dish can be made ahead and reheats beautifully.

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