Irish-woman's Shepherd's Pie (aka Cottage Pie!)
Here is a recipe that can be made anytime of the year, not just on the day of my people! It tastes great the first day and reheats really well. I made too much for our Irish dinner and I shared leftovers with friends and family, in addition to eating a couple days ourselves.
Ingredients:
1. Potato Layer
3 large russet potatoes
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2. Meat Layer:
2 pounds ground beef (or lamb, turkey)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon each, salt and pepper
2 Tablespoons flour
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
FOR POTATO LAYER: Peel potatoes and chop into small pieces. Place chopped potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. (About 15 - 20 minutes)
Drain water from pot. Mash the potatoes. Add butter, milk and garlic powder. Continue to mash until no lumps remain. Cover potatoes and set aside.
Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
FOR MEAT LAYER: In a large 12-inch skillet, over medium-high heat, add ground beef,onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook and crumble meat until browned. Drain grease.
Sprinkle flour evenly over meat mixture. Stir and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in frozen peas, carrots and corn. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through.
Pour meat mixture into prepared pan. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Top potatoes with cheddar cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes until casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Chris' rating: 4.5/5.