Howdy, y’all! There’s nothing quite like a classic Shepherd’s Pie to warm you up and bring the family together around the dinner table. It’s the ultimate comfort food—layers of savory meat and veggies topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. And today, we’re making it with a Permaculture Pastures twist, using our Whatta Box.
The Whatta Box is our 20-pound bulk package of grass-fed ground beef, perfect for stocking your freezer and tackling all your favorite recipes. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a family gathering, or just making dinner a little easier, the Whatta Box has you covered. Grass-fed beef is the star of this dish, bringing flavor, nutrition, and sustainability to your table.
Why Grass-Fed Ground Beef?
Our Permaculture Pastures grass-fed beef isn’t just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients your body loves:
• Rich in Omega-3s: Supports heart and brain health.
• High in CLA: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nutrient Dense: Loaded with iron, zinc, and B vitamins to keep you energized.
• Sustainably Raised: Better for the environment, our cattle are pasture-raised right here in Texas.
Plus, buying in bulk with the Whatta Box means you’re getting top-quality beef at an incredible value. It’s a win for your kitchen and your wallet!
Let’s Make Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
For the Beef Layer:
• 1½ pounds Permaculture Pastures grass-fed ground beef (from the Whatta Box!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt. If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in the cheddar cheese. Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Build the Filling:
Return the ground beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and stir in the thyme and rosemary. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir in the peas and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the beef completely. Use a fork to create decorative swirls or ridges on top.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly golden on top. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Let the pie cool slightly before serving. Dish up hearty portions and watch as everyone at the table digs in!
Why Choose the Whatta Box?
The Whatta Box isn’t just a bulk deal—it’s a way to bring convenience, nutrition, and quality to your family’s meals. With 20 pounds of grass-fed ground beef, you’ll have plenty for dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, burgers, spaghetti, meatloaf, and more. Plus, you’re supporting local, sustainable farming right here in Decatur, Trophy Club, Flower Mound, and Allen, Texas.
From Our Pasture to Your Plate
At Permaculture Pastures, we’re passionate about raising cattle the right way—on green pastures, with care for the environment and our animals. When you buy the Whatta Box, you’re not just getting premium grass-fed ground beef—you’re becoming part of our mission to bring healthy, sustainable food to Texas families.
So, grab a Whatta Box, stock your freezer, and whip up this Shepherd’s Pie. I promise, it’ll be a family favorite in no time.
Happy cooking,
Addison Smith
Permaculture Pastures