MAKE-AHEAD SHEPHERD'S PIE

Make-Ahead Shepherd's Pie image

A make-ahead hack makes it even easier to enjoy this hearty classic any day of the week. The base of the pie can be made ahead and frozen in an easy-to-store container. To finish the dish, simply thaw, top with Betty Crocker™ creamy butter mashed potatoes, bake and serve!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 medium carrots, peeled, chopped (1 cup)
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen peas (from 10-oz bag)
1/2 cup Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen corn (from 10-oz bag)
1 pouch (4.7 oz) Betty Crocker™ creamy butter mashed potatoes
Water, milk and butter called for on potatoes pouch

Steps:

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onion and carrots; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onion and carrots are softened. Add flour, thyme, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Gradually stir in broth; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in frozen peas and corn; transfer mixture to baking dish.
Make mashed potatoes as directed on pouch. Spread potatoes evenly over mixture in baking dish. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through (165°F in center) and top is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
To freeze: Cook beef filling as directed in recipe, but do not add frozen peas and corn. Cover and refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to 1-quart freezer container; freeze up to 2 months. To bake: Heat oven to 400°F. Spray microwavable 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place frozen beef filling container in large bowl filled with hot water about 5 minutes or until filling can be slid out of container into 8-inch square dish. Cover with plastic wrap; microwave on High 5 minutes; stir well. Cover and microwave 3 minutes longer; stir well. Continue heating another 3 to 4 minutes (checking and stirring every minute) until heated through. Stir in frozen peas and corn. Continue as directed in recipe.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1240 mg, Sugar 7 g, TransFat 1 g