Mini Shepherd's Pie with Bechamel Sauce in the Air Fryer
What Started it all:
create mini sheppards pie in air fryer Onion, italian seasoning, potatoes, ground Chuck, ground Sage, carrots, Celery, dried basil, Dried Rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, ground cumin, ah, also please create a bechamel sauce for this.
Get ready to elevate your cooking game, because we’re making mini shepherd's pies that are not only delicious but also a breeze in the air fryer! This recipe is packed with flavor and will have you mastering the art of comfort food in no time. Let’s get to it!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Toss in the diced carrots and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground chuck, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, ground sage, dried basil, dried rosemary, dried parsley, dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you fancy. Set aside.
- Mash the boiled potatoes with a bit of salt and pepper. You can add a splash of milk or butter for extra creaminess if you like.
- In small, air fryer-safe dishes, layer the meat filling first, followed by a generous spoonful of bechamel sauce, and finally top it off with the mashed potatoes. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled mini shepherd's pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.
- Carefully remove the mini shepherd's pies from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!
There you have it! Mini shepherd's pies that are bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Remember, cooking is all about practice and patience. Get in that kitchen, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this!