DECONSTRUCTED SHEPHERD'S PIE

Deconstructed Shepherd's Pie image

Provided by Susan Bickta

Categories Beef

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 19

POTATO BASKETS:
2 very large red skinned potatoes, peeled and shredded
1 large egg
3-4 tsp flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
dash of pepper
FILLING
1 lb ground beef (90/10)
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped green bell pepper
1 envelope (0.87 ounces) dry brown gravy mix
3/4 c water
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (plus more for garnish)
1 bag(s) (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 can(s) (6.5 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes (plus more for garnish)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. GENEROUSLY coat 8 compartments of a non-stick muffin tray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the potatoes, egg, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper, using just enough flour to hold mixture together.
3. Divide evenly among prepared muffin compartments. With the back of a teaspoon, firmly press mixture into bottom and up sides of each compartment, forming a "well" in each.
4. Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 5-7 minutes. Carefully remove each "basket" by running a sharp knife, gently, around the rim of each cup. Place each on a serving plate.
5. While "baskets" are baking, make the filling: In a 12" non-stick skillet over medium high heat, cook the meat, onion and green pepper until meat is no longer pink.
6. Add the gravy mix, water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika and parsley flakes. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
7. Add the mixed vegetables and mushrooms. Mix well to combine and cook an additional 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
8. To serve: Fill each potato basket with meat mixture. Garnish with additional smoked paprika and parsley flakes, if desired.
9. CHANGE IT UP: use ground turkey (or leftover cooked turkey) and turkey gravy mix instead of ground beef and beef gravy mix. Omit the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder and substitute poultry seasoning instead.