The hearty filling of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potato on top of shepherd’s pie makes it the ultimate comfort food. Great Value’s frozen beef shepherd’s pie can be a quick and cheap way to make dinner on busy nights when you don’t have much time. But is it possible to microwave this frozen casserole instead of baking it?.
As someone who relies on frozen meals more often than I’d like to admit getting the best results from microwave cooking is important to me. I decided to experiment with microwaving the Great Value frozen shepherd’s pie to find the ideal method. Keep reading for my tips and tricks to enjoy warm, delicious shepherd’s pie with barely any effort using the microwave.
Can You Microwave Frozen Shepherd’s Pie?
Shepherd’s pie contains two main components – the filling and the mashed potato topping. Getting both parts heated through without drying out the potatoes can seem tricky. However, with the right techniques, you can absolutely microwave frozen shepherd’s pie with delicious results.
The keys are using lower microwave power, cooking in short bursts, and allowing standing time This gently thaws, heats through, and softens the potatoes without toughening them. With a few trial runs, I developed an easy microwave method for shepherd’s pie success
Step-by-Step Microwaving Instructions
Follow these simple steps for microwaving Great Value frozen beef shepherd’s pie
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Take off any plastic wrap around the shepherd’s pie and leave it in its microwave-safe dish.
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Microwave on HIGH power for 2 minutes to begin softening and defrosting.
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Carefully remove from the microwave. Stir the filling well to distribute heat. Re-cover with vented plastic wrap.
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Return to the microwave and cook on MEDIUM power (50%) in 2 minute intervals, stirring between sessions, until heated through (about 6-8 minutes total).
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Check temperature using a food thermometer to ensure the filling reaches 165°F. Potatoes should be hot and softened.
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Let stand for 2 minutes before serving to allow steam to evenly distribute.
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Enjoy your tasty homemade-style shepherd’s pie straight from the microwave!
Microwaving Tips and Tricks
To get the most out of microwaving frozen shepherd’s pie, keep these tips in mind:
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Defrost initially on HIGH to quickly thaw and heat the bottom layer. Reduce to MEDIUM after to prevent overcooking.
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Stir thoroughly between intervals to distribute heat – this prevents cold or frozen spots.
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Check for doneness before the full cooking time. Food appearance can be deceiving in the microwave.
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Letting it stand after microwaving allows the steam to soften the potatoes fully.
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Add extra flavor with toppings like cheese, hot sauce, or sour cream after heating.
Microwave Shepherd’s Pie FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about microwaving frozen shepherd’s pie:
How long does it take to microwave shepherd’s pie? About 6-8 minutes total at medium power, checking often.
Can it be overcooked or dried out? Yes, so it’s important not to microwave too long. The potatoes can become dried and the meat tough.
What microwave power level works best? Start at HIGH for 2 minutes, then reduce to MEDIUM (50%) power for the remainder.
Should you microwave it straight from the freezer? Yes, but it will take a few extra minutes to defrost and heat through.
Do you need to cover it while microwaving? Yes, use vented plastic wrap or a paper towel to hold in steam and prevent splatters.
Putting the Microwave Method to the Test
After developing my microwave shepherd’s pie technique, it was time to test it out. I tried microwaving two Great Value frozen beef shepherd’s pies – one straight from the freezer and one thawed overnight in the fridge.
I followed my microwaving instructions for both pies. The pre-thawed one took slightly less time, but both turned out hot, steaming, and delicious using the microwave method. The filling was piping hot and the potatoes were perfectly tender. While the flavor and texture wasn’t quite as amazing as a freshly baked shepherd’s pie, it still totally hit the spot as an easy weeknight meal.
Enjoy Simplicity and Comfort
Shepherd’s pie is feel-good comfort food at its finest. Thanks to this easy microwave cooking method, you can enjoy all of that coziness and flavor without any real effort. Microwaving the affordable Great Value frozen shepherd’s pie is a great shortcut for busy weeknights while still delivering on taste. I hope these tips help you unlock the convenience of shepherd’s pie whenever a comfort food craving strikes!
