Rabbit Shepherds Pie

Welcome back to my blog! Today, I am excited to share a comforting and hearty dish: Rabbit Shepherd’s Pie. This recipe puts a delightful twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie by using lean and flavorful rabbit meat. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Be sure to check out my other Rabbit Recipes like, my Rabbit Pot Pie and Rabbit Broth!

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Lets Cook Together 🙂

Why Rabbit Shepherd’s Pie?

Rabbit meat is a wonderful alternative to traditional meats, offering a unique flavor profile and being rich in protein and low in fat. Additionally, rabbit is a sustainable choice, making it a great option for those looking to diversify their meals. Our Rabbit Shepherd’s Pie combines tender rabbit with hearty vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Rabbit Filling:

• 2 tablespoons cooking fat (butter, tallow)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 lb. ground rabbit meat
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves -minced
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots

Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 lb. russet potatoes – peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter -1 stick
• 1/3 cup half & half (eyeball it)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Make the filling:

• Add the butter to a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Add the ground rabbit to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the rosemary, thyme and parsley, salt and pepper. Stir often. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is cooked through .

• Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated and no clumps of tomato paste are present.
• Add the broth, frozen peas and carrots. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Set the meat mixture aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

• Place the diced, peeled potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

• Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the potatoes to the hot pot. Let the potatoes rest in the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining liquid.
• Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes and stir until all the ingredients are mixed together.
• Add the parmesan cheese to the potatoes. Stir until well combined.

Tips for the Perfect Rabbit Shepherd’s Pie

• Substitutions: If rabbit is not available, you can substitute with ground chicken, turkey or ground beef or lamb.
• Cheesy Topping: For an extra cheesy topping, mix in a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella.

Rabbit Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!