Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, you can freeze shepherd’s pie, and it can last in the freezer for a couple of months. You can freeze both baked and unbaked shepherd’s pie. But the latter is the most recommended option when it comes to freezing. The key is to store them air-tight and protected from freezer burns.
If you are looking to extend the shelf-life of some delicious shepherd’s pie by freezing it, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
These methods and tips have worked wonderfully for me. So, let’s get right into it.
How to Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
When you want to get some meal prep out of the way, there is nothing better than frozen, read-to-bake, shepherd’s pie.
Materials
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Baking Tray
Tools
- Foil Paper or Cling Wrap
Instructions
- Prep and Cool: Make your favorite shepherd’s pie recipe and layer it in the baking tray that you can pop in the freezer. Then let it cool down to room temperature.
- Double Wrap: Once the pie has cooled, wrap the baking tray with some cling wrap and then a layer of foil paper. The additional layers will help keep it safe from freezer burns.
- Label and Freeze: Add a label on the wrapped pie with the best before date, and you are all set to freeze the shepherd's pie till you need it next.
Check out this video by “Anne’s Family Recipe” on YouTube, for a cool recipe and tips on freezing the shepherd’s pie -
Freezing Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Cling Wrap (Optional)
- Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container
If you have already baked the shepherd’s pie but have a few too many slices to eat, you can always freeze the leftovers for later.
Prep and Cool
Let the shepherd’s pie cool down to room temperature before you get to freezing it.
Portion
Divide the shepherd’s pie into small portions that you can easily consume in one sitting.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the portions of shepherd’s pie into a freezer-safe air-tight container and seal them in. You can, optionally, cover the container with some cling wrap for added protection.
Label and Freeze
Add a label on the container with the best before date, and you are good to go.
How Long Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
You can freeze shepherd’s pie for up to three months without it going through changes in texture or taste.
Although you could keep it in the freezer for longer, it is best advised to eat it sooner rather than later to get the most of its flavor.
Unbaked shepherd’s pie freezes better and for longer than baked leftovers. The unbaked version also allows you to have freshly baked and piping hot shepherd’s pie.
If you wish to freeze the shepherd’s pie for longer, it is best to separate the layers of mashed potatoes and stuffing and freeze them in separate containers.
If you like to add cheese to your pie, it is best to add it after thawing to keep it in the freezer for longer.
How to Store Frozen Shepherd’s Pie?
You can store frozen shepherd’s pie in any freezer-safe air-tight container.
You could also double wrap them in foil paper after assembling the layers onto a baking tray. Make sure that the tray can be left in the freezer.
When placing the baking tray with foil wrap in the freezer, take extra care to freeze the pie thoroughly before placing other stuff in the freezer.
There are chances that the pie can get squished or damaged by heavier stuff being kept over it.
Although you could opt for Ziploc bags, if you are pressed for freezer space, keep in mind that the layers can get ruined, and the pie will not hold its shape in the bag.
How to Defrost Shepherd’s Pie?
To defrost the shepherd’s pie, you can leave the portion you need in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it thaw gradually.
Once defrosted, the shepherd’s pie will keep in the fridge for a day or two and can be reheated.
But in the case of unbaked shepherd’s pie, it is best to freeze it from frozen. Although it may take a couple of extra minutes to get it baked to perfection, it is still a great idea.
This makes your job so much easier, and you don’t have to worry about taking it out of the freezer the night before.
Once defrosted, the shepherd’s pie will keep in the fridge for a day or two.
Can You Refreeze Shepherd’s Pie?
No, it is best advised not to refreeze shepherd’s pie. Although you can safely refreeze it, if it was defrosted in the fridge, the texture and taste of the shepherd’s pie will be affected.
The potatoes can change in color after refreezing, which can be unappealing. To avoid having to refreeze the shepherd’s pie, you can pack the pie in small portions.
Before you freeze the shepherd’s pie, you can divide them into small portions that you can easily manage to eat in one meal time.
Does Shepherd’s Pie Freeze Well?
Yes, shepherd’s pie freezes well and is a great way to get some meal prep out of the way. It is best to freeze the shepherd’s pie before you bake them.
Not only does it last longer in the freezer, but it also gives you the choice of having warm and freshly baked pie at the ready.
You could also freeze the different components of shepherd’s pie and then assemble them once they defrost.
FAQs
You can freeze shepherd’s pie with cheese on top, but it would be best to opt for high-fat cheese to ensure that the cheese freezes well and does not change in texture. If you are not too sure about the fat content of the cheese, you can opt to add that once the pie thaws.
Yes, you can freeze shepherd’s pie with mashed potato. But keep in mind that the longer it stays in the freezer, the more the mashed potato can change in texture. But mashed potatoes that are rich in fat should do well in the freezer.
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you freeze and store shepherd’s pie for the long term.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some tips and tricks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with your family and friends to help them with meal prep ideas.