So I was checking out some of the cooking websites the other day, and I got inspired to make Shepherd’s Pie.  This is a combination of at least three recipes, so don’t ask me where any of this came from.  Your basic elements for a shepherd’s pie are:  1 lb meat, 4 cups veggies, a cup of liquid (including gravy), and 2 cups of mashed potatoes for the crust.  After that, you can pretty much make it your own.  And I did!

On to the recipe…

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups potatoes (can use instant, but this should be about 2-4 potatoes), roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 sprigs fresh, or 1 tsp dried rosemary (If using fresh rosemary, chop it up finely.)
  • ½ cup milk, ¾ cup sour cream, or 4 oz (light) cream cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 lb ground meat of your choice
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cups frozen mixed veggies
  • ¾ cup beef or chicken broth OR 1 cup beef gravy
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (de-stemmed), or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Paprika for sprinkling
  • 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • OPTIONAL:  sliced mushrooms
  • OPTIONAL:  ½ cup red or white wine


DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat your oven to 375.
  • Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • In the meantime, sauté 2 cloves garlic and 1-2 chopped sprigfuls of rosemary in butter.

  • Drain potatoes.  Add dairy products of your choice and butter mixture.

  • Mash the potatoes, and set aside.

  • Brown meat, 1-2 cloves garlic, and onions.  Drain meat.
  • Add veggies and cook until they are thawed.

  • If you are using wine, add wine and reduce for a few minutes.
  • Add broth or beef gravy.

  • Add the rest of the herbs and spices, along with the ketchup/tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.  Stir well.  Cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Spoon meat mixture into a casserole dish.  Cover with potatoes.

  • Bake for 15-18 minutes.
  • Add cheese to the top of the casserole, sprinkle with paprika, and bake for 2-5 minutes more (or until the cheese melts.)


Makes 6-8 servings

Enjoy!

Advertisement