Golden fries topped with savory beef, vegetables, and gooey cheddar for a comforting British-inspired appetizer.
# Components:
→ Fries
01 - 26 ounces frozen French fries or homemade thick-cut fries
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Shepherd's Pie Topping
03 - 14 ounces ground beef or lamb
04 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 medium carrot, diced
07 - 3.5 ounces frozen peas
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (certified gluten-free if required)
10 - 1/2 cup beef or vegetable stock
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
13 - 5.5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
→ Garnish
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Method Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss frozen fries with vegetable oil and arrange on a lined baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway.
02 - Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or lamb, cooking for 5 minutes until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat as needed.
03 - Add onion, garlic, and carrot to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow to cook for 2 minutes, then pour in stock. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in frozen peas and heat for 2 minutes.
05 - Transfer hot fries to an ovenproof dish. Spoon shepherd's pie mixture evenly over fries and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the top.
06 - Return dish to oven and bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Present hot for best flavor.
