Shepherds Pie

St. Patrick's Day is a favorite day in the household, being that hubby is a true Irishman.  Corned beef and cabbage in Guinness is always on the menu, however, so is Shepherds Pie.  This particular recipe for Shepherds Pie is so tasty and satisfying.  It's one of the best I've ever had!


Shepherds Pie - Adapted from Cook's Magazine

Ingredients:

2 Tbls. butter plus 3 Tbls for potatoes
1 large onion, chopped into small pieces
salt and pepper to taste
2 lbs. ground beef
5 Tbls. flour
1 Tbls. tomato paste
1/4 cup heavy cream
1-3/4 cup of chicken broth
3/4 cups of Guinness beer
2 Tbls. soy sauce
2 tsp. fresh or dried thyme
1 small package of frozen peas and carrots
5 large potatoes
1/4 cup of milk for potatoes

For the Beef filling

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Add onions and saute until onions are translucent.  Add beef and cook through.  S&P to taste.  Add flour and tomato paste and stir thoroughly into mixture.  Add broth, beer, soy and thyme. Lower heat to simmer and gently stir until the sauce thickens.  Remove from heat and add the package of peas/carrots.  Combine well.  Pour mixture in a 2 quart casserole, keep warm.

For potato topping

In a separate pot, boil potatoes for your whipped mashed potatoes.  Add about a tsp. of salt and boil until tender.  Once potatoes are cooked drain water.  With your hand mixer blend potatoes until they are lump-free (however, if you like chunky pieces, just blend until your preference).  Add 3 tbls. butter, a shake of pepper and milk.  Mix well.

Once potatoes are done, add to the top of the beef mixture.  Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until the meat begins to bubble.  If you wish to darken the top of the potatoes, after the dish is heated through, turn on your broiler and let the potatoes darken.  Watch it carefully at this point, it should just take a about a minute or two to reach your goal.

*NOTE:  make sure the casserole dish you are using can withstand a broiler heat!

Note:  Due to the fact that the Shepherd's Pie that I made was quickly consumed before I could take a photo, I have used a stock photo from Yahoo to show you how this delish dish will look out of the oven :)  Enjoy!!!