Shepherds pie on fried bannock

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cuisine Type: Indigenous-Inspired Comfort Food

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Recipe Overview

Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved comfort dish known for its hearty layers of seasoned meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. But imagine elevating it with a rustic and crispy base of fried bannock — a staple in many Indigenous communities. The fried bannock acts as a delicious, golden foundation that turns this classic dish into something both familiar and innovative.

This twist adds richness and a satisfying crunch, giving your meal extra character. Perfect for cool-weather gatherings, family dinners, or when you want to serve something deeply comforting yet distinct.

Ingredients

For the Fried Bannock Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup water (add more as needed)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

For the Shepherd’s Pie Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (traditionally lamb is used)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup beef broth

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ¼ cup butter

• ½ cup milk

• Salt to taste

• Optional: ½ cup grated cheddar cheese for a golden topping

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (First Step)

Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Place them in a large pot with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt to taste. Set aside and keep warm.

Tip: You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat when assembling.

2. Make the Fried Bannock Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in water and 2 tablespoons of oil until a soft dough forms. You may need a bit more water if the dough feels too dry. Knead briefly on a floured surface — just enough to bring it together.

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Flatten each into a round disk about ½ inch thick.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each bannock round for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Set on a wire rack or paper towel to drain.

3. Cook the Meat and Vegetable Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Then add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Add peas, corn, and beef broth. Let simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens.

Optional: For a smoother filling, mash some of the carrots and peas lightly with a fork as it cooks.

4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie Bannocks

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place each fried bannock round on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the meat filling onto each bannock.

Top each one with a scoop of mashed potatoes and spread gently to cover the meat layer. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is bubbling.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

These individual servings are hearty enough for a main course, and their handheld format makes them perfect for casual gatherings.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Note: Nutritional content will vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used. This estimate assumes lean ground beef and includes cheese.