Tasty Traditions: Shepherd's Pie

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As the seasons are soon to change, summer to fall, my mind starts thinking about comfort foods - those dishes that warm both the body and the spirit. Shepherd's pie is one of those dishes, and also one that has its roots in the United Kingdom. (1) 

The following recipe is a favorite of BM, Ralph and Ella's eldest son. Ralph and Ella have also created their own variation, baking it in smaller dishes that they freeze and reheat at a later time. 

Shepherds Pie

Ingredients

1-2  lb ground beef 

2 packages brown gravy

1 can peas or green beans (I use green beans)

1 can corn

a cup diced onions

1 cup sliced carrots (I steam the carrots first so that are cooked and not crunchy)

8 medium potatoes

1-2 cups grated cheese

Directions

1. Steam potatoes, mash and season to taste.
2. Brown ground beef and onions - season as desired. 
3. Add brown gravy, green beans, corn and carrots. Simmer until heated throughout.
4. Pour in to 13x9 pan (Use a non-stick spray on the pan first).
5. Spread mashed potatoes on top of the meat/vegetable mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Back at 350 degrees for 20 min. Or store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Variations

• Add chopped garlic and mushrooms to the mixture.
• Add Stove Top Dressing on top of the cheese - adds some crunch. 

Sources:

1. Historical information on shepherd's pie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd%27s_pie; http://irishnobleman.com/what-is-shepherds-pie-and-where-did-it-come-from/