Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Shepherd’s Pie with Accidently Hidden Vegetables



There are veggies in there. Really. I might not have proof but I remember putting them in this casserole. They are hidden amongst the huge mounds of meat and potatoes. I briefly thought about pulling some of them out as confirmation before I photographed this food blob, but with threatening forks in the way of getting a picture at all I decided to pick my battles.

So, I snapped away quickly and let the starving lions at it. Um, I mean I allowed my family and friend to eat the rest of their meal without my interference.

Mashed Potatoes
6 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup sour cream
Milk or buttermilk (Enough to make potatoes creamy)
Salt, pepper, onion powder, & garlic powder to taste

Meat Mixture & Cheese
1 large onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons butter
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (Or lamb if you can get it)
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper for seasoning
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon good quality tomato paste (from a tube)
1 ¼ cups beef stock
1 to 2 (15 ounce) cans peas and carrots, rinsed and drained (Add the extra can if you like veggies)
About 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese (Preferably Irish Dubliner Cheddar)

Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes or so. Drain and mash, (I used a potato ricer). Mix in butter first until melted, sour cream next, and then just enough milk or buttermilk to make creamy. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish.

3. Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and begin to brown. Add about 2 Tablespoons of water toward the end of cooking time or if the onions stick to the pan to deglaze. Place the onions in a bowl and set aside.

4. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a large frying pan. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until well browned.

5. Strain off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Add Worcestershire Sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Next add beef stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the peas and carrots. Salt & pepper to taste.

6. Spread the ground beef mixture in an even layer on the bottom of the 9x13 inch pan. Add the cheese, and then top with the mashed potatoes.

7. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.

Recipe by Laura Flowers


15 comments:

Pink Little Cake said...

I am the first one posting! we make something like this in Costa Rica, we use tuna instead of the meat. I have to try this one, my baby will love it since she won't be able to see the veggies. Thanks Laura, as good as always!

The Cooking Photographer said...

Hi Kathia!

I've been searching through my emails for the pics, but my brain can't handle anymore yikes! I'll go through them again tomorrow.

Laura

CD said...

Laura, This looks and sounds great!

Coleens Recipes said...

I haven't eaten this in years!! What a nostagic treat.

La Table De Nana said...

We love those..Just made a few..they never disappoint:)

Ciao Chow Linda said...

This is the second shepherd's pie post I've commented on in two days - I haven't had it in years but now I'm craving it. Yours looks great.

Sherri Murphy said...

I so enjoy Shepherd's pie. I have the same problem with the pics sometimes. I'll turn around and my guys have already dug in!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Ixnay on the lamb, but yummo on the cheese! :) I don't think I've ever actually made this dish... might have to give it a try though. Love the thought of your hungry brood standing by at the ready, forks in hand!

Take care,
ButterYum

Unknown said...

haha...must be something in the air...I made Shepherds Pie the other night!! btw...I think I spotted a carrot in there. Looks delish!

Donna-FFW said...

One of my most favorite fall/winter meals. Now I am craving it. Looks fantastic.

Ginger said...

That is most definitely comfort food at it's finest and that is all I have to say about that! Could we just have a running this between us that your photos are beyond awesome?

Ginger said...

I meant to say a running thing NOT this!!

Mardi Michels said...

Mmmm - I adore shepherds pie and it's finally cool enough to contemplate one. Love the hidden veggies!

Kathy Walker said...

I have never made Shepherd's Pie. This is something I must try as things cool down! Thank you for sharing.

Jamie said...

Yum! Looks so delicious and this is truly family-style comfort food. Maybe using fresh veg will keep them from melting into the meat, but this is great for kids who hate vegetables!

Related Posts with Thumbnails