CINDY'S SHEPHERD'S CASSEROLE

Cindy's Shepherd's Casserole image

Shepherd's Pie is one of those dishes done differently by every person. I don't consider this recipe a "pie" because there is no crust. Also, the peas should be with the rest of the beef/vegetable mix, but my husband prefers them on top of the potatoes (as shown). For me, this is a good leftover dish. Whatever type of leftover beef, whatever leftover vegetables, wherever they are placed...it's all good.

Provided by Cindy Pritchett @citpritchett

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

1-2 pound(s) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped small
2-4 large carrots, chopped small/thin
1 can(s) peas, drained
salt & pepper to taste
GRAVY/SAUCE
2 tablespoon(s) salted butter
2 tablespoon(s) flour
1 tablespoon(s) worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 1/2 cup(s) beef broth/stock
1 - beef bouillon cube or you can use kitchen bouquet
MASHED POTATO TOP
8 servings of prepared instant mashed potatoes
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup(s) heavy cream
1/2 cup(s) grated parmesan cheese (separated into 1/4 cups)
paprika to sprinkle

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 400. Prepare a 9X13 casserole dish (or something similar) by spraying it with Pam.
Prepare your Instant Mashed Potatoes using the directions on the box. Thoroughly mix in heavy cream, egg yolk, and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Set aside. *You can also make mashed potatoes from scratch using approximately 4 medium potatoes, a splash of milk, 4 TBSP. butter, salt & pepper. Even better would be to use left-over mashed potatoes if you have them.
In a large skillet, brown and drain your ground beef.
Add your onions and carrots to the ground beef and continue to heat until the carrots and onions begin to soften, and the beef is brown. Turn off heat and set aside.
In a small saucepan, make a rue with your butter and flour. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth/stock. When the mixture is heated add the beef bouillon cube (or kitchen bouquet). Whisk constantly until the sauce/gravy is thickened, turn off the heat, and set aside.
Add your peas and gravy/sauce to your beef mixture (or you can save your peas for the top of the casserole like my husband prefers). Mix thoroughly and add salt and pepper to taste.
Spread your beef/gravy mixture evenly on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
Layer your mashed potato mixture on top. Spread evenly. Use fork tongs to create lines on the top of the mashed potatoes and to help with browning.
Sprinkle the last 1/4 cup of parmesan over the top of the casserole and then sprinkle it with the paprika.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.