A Comforting, Nutritious, and Flavorful Meal
Imagine digging into a warm, golden-brown Shepherd’s Pie, its crispy cheesy topping giving way to creamy mashed potatoes and a savory, rich tuna and vegetable filling. The traditional Shepherd’s Pie is a household favorite, but this Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna adds a seafood-inspired twist that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a comforting dish for a cold evening, or a creative way to use canned tuna, this recipe delivers big on flavor and texture. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for the whole family!
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this tasty and unique Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna.
Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: A rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s satisfying.
- Nutritious & Protein-Packed: Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and Omega-3s.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for making ahead and freezing.
- Delicious Twist on a Classic: A seafood version of Shepherd’s Pie that will surprise and delight.
Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish:
Tuna and Vegetable Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sunflower oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Red onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Leek (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (squeezed) | 1 clove |
| Carrots (small cubes) | 4 oz |
| Celery (small cubes) | 2 stalks |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Vegetable broth | 2 cups |
| Dried thyme | 2 tsp |
| White wine (dry) | ½ cup |
| Milk | ¾ cup |
| Canned tuna | 1 lb |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Mashed Potatoes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Floury potatoes (King Edward, Russet, Doré) | 2 lbs |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Garlic butter | 4 oz |
Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Grated cheese | ⅔ cup |
| Panko breadcrumbs | ⅓ cup |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
- Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with milk and garlic butter until smooth.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp sunflower oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, red onion, leek, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Make the Tuna Filling
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly.
- Pour in white wine, let it simmer for 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Stir in milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the canned tuna, breaking it up gently. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the tuna filling evenly in a baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and smooth the top.
5. Add the Topping & Bake
- Sprinkle grated cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and dried thyme over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese for an extra touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna
- Use Good Quality Tuna: Chunk light tuna or albacore tuna in water works best.
- Don’t Skip the Wine: It adds depth of flavor, but you can substitute with extra broth.
- Mash the Potatoes Well: Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes make for the best topping.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: This allows the layers to set for better slicing.
- Customize the Veggies: Add peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring as needed.
Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze assembled Shepherd’s Pie before baking for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Variations & Customizations
1. Spicy Tuna Shepherd’s Pie
- Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Cheesy Tuna Pie
- Mix ½ cup shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra cheesiness.
3. Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Mediterranean Tuna Shepherd’s Pie
- Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
5. Dairy-Free Option
- Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes! Simply grill or bake fresh tuna, then flake it before adding it to the filling.
2. What’s the best type of cheese for the topping?
Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan all work well. Asiago adds a great nutty flavor!
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. How do I make this dish creamier?
Use extra milk or a splash of heavy cream in the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
5. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Replace white wine with additional vegetable broth.
6. What can I serve with Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna?
Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna is the perfect comfort food with a seafood twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a great alternative to traditional meat-based Shepherd’s Pie.