Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re working with pantry staples. This recipe combines flaky salmon, tender green peas, and creamy mashed potatoes for a dish that’s hearty, delicious, and so easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this shepherd’s pie is sure to become a family favorite.

This Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie Recipe uses the ingredients that are already in my pantry most of the time.  It’s a great recipe to go to when it’s been a while since your last grocery shopping, and you need to cook dinner from the stuff you can find in your pantry.

The main ingredients for the canned salmon shepherd’s pie recipe are canned salmon, canned green peas and potatoes.  The bottom layer of the salmon shepherd’s pie is a layer of flaked canned salmon, then a layer of sprinkled green peas, and the top layer is mashed potatoes.  The shepherd’s pie is baked in the oven and served hot for a satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like canned salmon, green peas, and potatoes, making it easy to prepare even when your fridge is nearly empty. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to create a delicious and filling meal.
• Comfort Food Classic: The creamy mashed potatoes paired with flaky salmon and sweet green peas create a comforting, hearty meal. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy evening at home.
• Budget-Friendly: Canned salmon is an economical way to enjoy seafood, and the other ingredients are cost-effective as well. This dish proves that you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and no complicated techniques, this recipe is beginner-friendly. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll have no trouble making this dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a go-to meal for anyone. Whether you swap peas for corn or use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, it’s a recipe you can make your own.

Ingredients For The Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) canned salmon – Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that’s full of flavor and easy to use.
• 1 can (14 oz) green peas – Add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
• 6 large potatoes – The creamy mashed potatoes form the comforting top layer of the pie.
• 1 cup milk (optional) – Adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes for a smoother texture.
• 1 egg (optional) – Brushed on top for a golden, slightly crisp finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season the mashed potatoes and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling potatoes to the right consistency for mashing.
• Potato Peeler: Makes peeling potatoes quick and efficient.
• Colander: Used for draining water from the cooked potatoes.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for mashing the potatoes and combining them with other ingredients.
• Potato Masher: Ensures smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
• Microwave-Safe Cup: For warming the milk if you choose to use it in the recipe.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for portioning milk, salt, and pepper.
• Baking Dish: The foundation for assembling and baking the shepherd’s pie.
• Whisk or Fork: Used for whisking the egg or creating decorative lines on the mashed potato topping.
• Oven: To bake and broil the shepherd’s pie to perfection.

Directions How To Make Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Peel the potatoes and cut into quarters.  Add potatoes to the boiling water and boil for 25 minutes.

While the potatoes are boiling, open the cans of salmon and a can of peas.  Drain and discard the liquid from the salmon and the peas.  Put the salmon on the bottom of the baking dish.

Flake the salmon with the fork and distribute in a single layer in a baking dish.  Sprinkle the flaked salmon with the green peas, so the peas are evenly distributed in a single layer.

When the potatoes are cooked, drain the potatoes.  Put the potatoes in a large bowl.  Pour the milk in a microwave-safe cup and microwave for 1 minute.  Pour hot milk into the potatoes.  Note: if you don’t have milk, you can substitute it with 1 cup of the hot cooking water from the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with the potato masher until smooth.  Add salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes to taste.

Put mashed potatoes on top of the canned salmon and green peas in a baking dish, and even out the layer of mashed potatoes with a spoon.  Whisk the egg in a small bowl.  Brush the egg on top of the mashed potatoes.  Note: if you don’t have an egg, you can brush mashed potatoes with 1 tbsp of mayo, or with nothing at all.  With the fork, draw parallel lines on top of the shepherd’s pie for decoration.

Put the canned salmon shepherd’s pie in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.  Switch the oven control to broil, and broil for 5 minutes.  Enjoy your canned salmon shepherd’s pie!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie with a simple cucumber chickpea salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Pair it with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as baby carrots or potatoes and green beans, for added texture and color.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and a pop of freshness.
• Complement the dish with a warm, dinner rolls to soak up any leftover juices.
• For a cozy dinner, enjoy it with a glass of your favorite red wine or a cup of hot tea.

Tips For Success

• Flake the Salmon Thoroughly: Use a fork to break up the canned salmon evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and the layers are well-distributed.
• Season the Mashed Potatoes Generously: Potatoes can be bland without proper seasoning. Taste the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the salmon and peas, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• Customize the Layers: While green peas add sweetness and color, you can substitute them with corn, diced carrots, or even a mix of frozen vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Make the Potatoes Creamy: Warm the milk before adding it to the mashed potatoes to maintain their heat and ensure smooth mixing. If you don’t have milk, use hot potato cooking water for a lighter version.
• Create a Beautiful Topping: For a golden and decorative finish, brush the mashed potato layer with a whisked egg or a small amount of mayonnaise. Use a fork to draw lines or patterns for added texture and visual appeal.
• Broil for Perfection: After baking, broil the pie for a few minutes to give the top layer a slightly crisp, golden brown crust. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
• Prep Ahead for Convenience: You can assemble the pie in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions.
• Double the Recipe for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so consider making a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the Salmon: If you’re not a fan of salmon, try substituting it with canned tuna, cooked chicken, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile. These alternatives also work well as the base layer of the pie.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Green peas are classic, but you can use corn, diced carrots, or a frozen vegetable medley to add variety. For a more robust flavor, sauté onions or mushrooms and include them as an additional layer.
• Use Sweet Potatoes: For a sweeter and nutrient-packed topping, replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness complements the salmon beautifully.
• Add Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle it on top before baking for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the milk and egg for a dairy-free version. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative in the mashed potatoes for richness.
• Gluten-Free Certified: Ensure your canned salmon and peas are labeled gluten-free if needed. Most varieties are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to check.
• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor. Dried herbs can also be used if fresh ones aren’t available.
• Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, sprinkle a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes over the mashed potatoes before baking. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the salmon layer.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the mashed potato layer with mashed cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb version of this dish. The cauliflower mash pairs wonderfully with salmon and peas.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store leftover Canned Salmon Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating in the Oven: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the shepherd’s pie in an oven-safe dish (if reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first). Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring or checking the center to ensure it’s warmed evenly.
• Reheating from Frozen: If reheating directly from frozen, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top layer.
• Tips for Freshness: To keep the mashed potatoes creamy, you can add a splash of milk or butter when reheating. For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to eat to avoid repeated heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?

Yes, you can use fresh salmon if you prefer. Simply cook and flake the salmon before layering it in the baking dish. This adds a fresh, rich flavor to the dish but may require additional prep time.

What can I use instead of green peas?

You can substitute green peas with other vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or even a mix of frozen vegetables. These alternatives add variety and can be customized to your preferences or what you have on hand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the shepherd’s pie in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled from the fridge.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the shepherd’s pie dairy-free, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, or use the reserved potato cooking water. Skip the egg wash or use a dairy-free mayonnaise for the topping.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What’s the best way to get a golden top layer?

Brushing the mashed potato layer with a whisked egg creates a golden crust when baked. If you don’t have an egg, you can use mayonnaise or leave it plain. Broiling for the last 5 minutes of baking also helps achieve a golden finish.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. They add a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the salmon and peas, offering a nutritious twist on the classic recipe.

What size baking dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. If you’re halving the recipe, a smaller dish like an 8×8-inch will work just as well.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out when reheating?

Cover the shepherd’s pie with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of milk or butter to the mashed potatoes and stir halfway through heating.

What can I use to decorate the top of the shepherd’s pie?

Use a fork to draw parallel lines or crisscross patterns on the mashed potato layer. This not only adds visual appeal but also creates additional crispy bits when baked.

Other Easy Salmon Recipes

Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon: This quick and easy recipe creates perfectly crispy salmon with a golden crust and tender, flaky interior.

Oven-Roasted Sockeye Salmon: Enjoy rich, flavorful sockeye salmon roasted to perfection in your oven with minimal effort.

Low-Carb Salmon Salad (Fresh or Canned): A refreshing, protein-packed salad that’s perfect for a keto-friendly lunch or light dinner.

Baked Salmon with Walnut Crust: Indulge in tender baked salmon topped with a crunchy, nutty walnut crust for a gourmet touch.

Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip: This creamy, smoky dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering or snack.

Garlic Butter Salmon with Veggies (Foil Packet Recipe): A one-dish wonder featuring salmon and seasonal vegetables infused with garlic butter, cooked in foil packets for ultimate flavor.

Simple Baked Salmon Skewers Recipe: These tender, juicy salmon kabobs are easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy dinner or entertaining.

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