EASY IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE

EASY IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE image

Yield 4 People

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
2 to 3 medium onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Olive oil, for sautéing
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried parsley
12 ounces pre-made brown gravy
(from jar or mix)
4 large potatoes, peeled
and quartered
4 to 5 tablespoons butter
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
(optional)
Fresh chives, if available, for garnish

Steps:

Brown beef or lamb and drain fat. Set aside. Sauté onion, and garlic in oil until onions are translucent. Add meat, seasonings, and gravy. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes. (The mixture should be thick enough that the mashed potatoes don't sink into it.) Set aside to cool. Boil the potatoes until soft (about 20 minutes) and drain. Replace in cooking pot and add butter; when melted, add milk a bit at a time and mash to make a fairly soft consistency. Place meat mixture in a greased baking dish and top with a layer of potatoes. Fluff the surface up into uneven peaks using a fork. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 45 minutes or until top is crusty and slightly browned. Garnish with chives.