Baby Friendly Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

• 11/2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
• 1/2 tsp salt (skip for babies < 12m old)
• 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 onion (medium diced)
• 3/4 cup vegetable stock (unsalted)
• 1 cup carrots (frozen)
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 tsp dried parsley (if using fresh double the amount)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (if using fresh double the amount)
• 1 tbsp green onions
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp salt (skip for babies < 12m old)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Mashed Potato Topping ---

2. 2

   Fill a large pan with water and boil the potatoes until completely tender. It will take about 15 minutes after the water starts boiling.

3. 3

   Drain the potatoes, add to a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher.

4. 4

   Add the milk, butter, cheese and mix well.

5. 5

   Set aside a small quantity of mashed potatoes for the baby if < 12 months old.

6. 6

   Add salt.

7. 7

   --- Meat Filling ---

8. 8

   Heat the oil in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, garlic and cook until translucent.

9. 9

   Add the meat and cook until browned.

10. 10

    Add the carrots, peas, herbs, tomato paste, unsalted vegetable stock, corn starch and mix well.

11. 11

    Bring the mixture to a boil and once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally until the carrots are soft.

12. 12

    Set aside a small quantity of the mixture for the baby if < 12 months old.

13. 13

    Add salt.

14. 14

    --- Pie Assembly ---

15. 15

    Transfer the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish, spread the mashed potatoes over the top and add some extra cheese if desired.

16. 16

    Assemble unsalted baby portion into a mini ramekin.

17. 17

    Bake at 356F (180C) for about 25 minutes.