Sloppy Joe Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 (3/8 ounce) beef bouillon cube
• 1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 (32-ounce) package refrigerated mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped chives for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the ground chuck to the skillet, stirring and breaking up the meat into small pieces. Cook for approximately 6 minutes until browned. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Transfer the beef drippings to a small bowl, allow them to cool, and then discard them.

Step 5: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes until the onions are softened.

Step 6: Stir in the beef bouillon cube, light brown sugar, dry mustard, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined.

Step 7: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ketchup, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened and has a glossy texture. Remove from heat.

Step 8: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the skillet. Gently spread the potatoes into an even layer, covering the beef completely.

Step 9: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the potatoes.

Step 10: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese has melted.

Step 11: Increase the oven temperature to broil. Do not remove the skillet. Broil for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.

Step 12: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 735
• Total Fat: 36g (46% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (73% DV)
• Cholesterol: 98mg (33% DV)
• Sodium: 30453mg (1324% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 57g (21% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
• Total Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 48g (95% DV)
• Vitamin C: 23mg (25% DV)
• Calcium: 294mg (23% DV)
• Iron: 5mg (27% DV)
• Potassium: 1573mg (33% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History of Sloppy Joe Shepherds Pie

The Sloppy Joe Shepherds Pie is a modern culinary invention, blending two beloved comfort foods: the American Sloppy Joe and the traditional British Shepherds Pie. Shepherds Pie has its roots in 18th-century England, originally made with minced lamb and topped with mashed potatoes to use leftover meat efficiently. Sloppy Joes, on the other hand, emerged in the United States during the early 20th century as a loose ground beef sandwich in a tangy tomato sauce. The fusion of these two dishes likely originated in contemporary home cooking circles, aiming to create a hearty, flavorful, one-dish meal with familiar ingredients and bold flavors.

Regional Variations

While classic Shepherds Pie is associated with the British Isles and Sloppy Joes with American cuisine, the hybrid Sloppy Joe Shepherds Pie has gained popularity primarily in North America. Regional twists often include the type of cheese used, the addition of Worcestershire sauce or ketchup to enhance the savory-sweet profile, or even substituting lamb with beef or turkey. In some parts of the U.S., cooks experiment with barbecue sauces, creating a smoky variant that reflects local barbecue traditions.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike traditional Shepherds Pie, which emphasizes the subtle flavor of lamb and a simple vegetable mix beneath mashed potatoes, this dish is richer and more robust. The Sloppy Joe meat mixture incorporates a tomato-based sauce with seasonings like brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, giving it a slightly tangy and sweet taste. It is closer to a comfort-food casserole than the restrained original, making it instantly recognizable compared to both classic Shepherds Pie and the open-faced Sloppy Joe sandwich.

Typical Serving Occasions

Sloppy Joe Shepherds Pie is usually served as a main course for casual family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Its single-skillet preparation and hearty portions make it ideal for feeding a crowd. It is often paired with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, though its rich flavor can stand alone. Some restaurants and diners in the U.S. also feature this hybrid on their seasonal menus, highlighting its appeal as a modern comfort-food entre.

Interesting Facts

• This dish is an example of culinary mashups, a trend where chefs combine familiar recipes to create inventive meals.
• The name Sloppy Joe Shepherds Pie reflects its dual heritage: Sloppy Joe for the loose meat topping, and Shepherds Pie for the classic mashed potato cover.
• Despite its indulgent flavor, the recipe can be adapted for dietary preferences by substituting meat with lentils, tofu, or plant-based crumbles.
• The dishs combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy textures appeals to all age groups, making it a family favorite in North America.
• While not historically traditional, it represents the modern American approach to comfort food: flexible, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

FAQ about Sloppy Joe Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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