Thursday, February 27, 2014

Shepard's Pie....

I'm not sure if it is just a regional thing or not, but in this area, you grow up eating Shepard's Pie.  Even if your mother never made it for you, it was guaranteed to be on your plate at least two times a month at school.  For me, it consisted of a croissant crust, a funky hamburger mixture, mushy peas and carrots, and a mashed potato topping.  If you were lucky, you got cheese on top.  I know it sounds horrible, but man, as a kid, I LOVED IT!  So when I was thinking one day of my childhood favorites, I immediately thought of this.  However, I wanted to make it little more refined to serve my husband and mother in love.  I tinkered with the ingredients a little and what I have come up with is truly wonderful!  It is a one pot meal, with a show stopper presentation, and I know EVERYONE is going to love it! It's so quick and easy, let's get started!
Here is what you'll need:



  • 1 tbsp. Butter
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 2 lb. Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 2 Carrots, diced
  • 1 tbsp. Flour
  • 1 tsp. Thyme
  • 1 c. Beef Stock
  • 2 c. Peas
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Shredded Cheese (optional)
  • Parsley to finish

  • Tools You Will Need:
    • Cast Iron Skillet
    • Chef's Knife
    • Wooden Spoon



    Heat your cast iron skillet, or any oven proof skillet, and add 2 tbsp. of butter, and 2 tbsp. of oil.



    Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, add your diced onions and sweat until soft and translucent.



    When the onions are soft and translucent, add the diced carrots.  Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes to soften.


    As the carrots begin to soften, add the garlic.



    Next, you will toss in your ground beef and brown, this will take 8-10 minutes. 


    When the ground beef is nice and brown, add the flour.
    Stir the flour into the beef well.


    Now you will add the beef stock.  Immediately you will see a gravy happen. 
    Isn't gravy beautiful?  *SIGH* Gravy...I know, I know....moving forward.


    It will look like this.  :)...Gravy....
    Taste for seasoning.  Add salt and pepper, as well as the thyme.


    Here is where you will want to add your frozen peas. 


    And then your mashed potato topping.  I am going to be honest about something here.  I am an advocate for making things from scratch.  Ask any of my friends.  HOWEVER, I have found that instant mashed potatoes, in this recipe, work best.  It takes two packages, but the result is divine!  Don't judge me.  You are more than welcome to do all that peeling and boiling and mashing if you want, but on a busy weeknight, I am keeping it simple! 

    Spread the mashed potatoes in a nice single layer over your filling.  You can even add shredded cheese, if you want.


    Place your pie in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.



    Look at this presentation!  Bringing this to the table to serve from will definitely wow your family!




    YUM!

    And there you have it!  By using simple, fresh, ingredients, we are able to turn a lunchroom classic into a wonderful meal that your entire family will devour!  I can't wait to hear how this works for you and I would LOVE to see your pictures on my Facebook page!  Enjoy, and as always...

    Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
    ~The Kitchen Wife~






    Shepard's Pie:

    *Prep-Time: 10 minutes  *Cook Time:  30 Minutes  *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings: 6-8
    Ingredients:
    • 1 tbsp. Butter
    • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • 2 lb. Ground Beef
    • 1 Onion, diced
    • 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
    • 2 Carrots, diced
    • 1 tbsp. Flour
    • 1 tsp. Thyme
    • 1 c. Beef Stock
    • 2 c. Peas
    • Mashed Potatoes
    • Shredded Cheese
    • Parsley to finish
    Tools You Will Need:
    • Cast Iron Skillet
    • Chef's Knife
    • Wooden Spoon
    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a cast iron skillet, melt your better and add oil. 
    3. Sauté your onions until they are soft and translucent.
    4. Add garlic and sweat until you smell it. 
    5. Add your diced carrots and sauté until soft.
    6. Add your ground beef and brown.
    7. Season with salt and pepper.
    8. Add flour and stir.
    9. Add beef stock.
    10. Add peas.
    11. Top with mashed potatoes.  Spread out so the cover the entire filling.
    12. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    13. Bake for 30 minutes.
    14. Finish with parsley and serve.
    15. ENJOY!

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