Sunday, April 19, 2009

Shepard's Pie

Shepard's Pie is one of our favorite recipes because it is cheap and easy to make.  If you are really crunched on time use instant mashed potatoes.  

This recipe is for people who want to make both a veggie and meat dish simultaneously .  If you are a vegetarian feel free to omit the meat instructions and vice versa. 
Ingredients:
8 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons of butter
Milk, Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 lb Veggie Crumbles (My significant-vegetarian likes to use Morning Star Meal Starter grillers recipe crumbles)
2 cans corn
1 can peas
    -or any other favorite veggie
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1. Boil potatoes until you can easily pierce them with a fork.  
2. Drain the potatoes and add 2 tablespoons of butter.  Mix in small amounts of milk until it is fluffy and creamy.  Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.  Set aside for later.
3. Heat oil in two frying pans and the saute half on onion in each pan. When the onions are softened and translucent add 1 pound of meat into one frying pan and 1 pound of veggie crumbles in the other being careful to use separate spoons in each pan if your vegetarian is as picky as mine.
4. Cook the meat until it's brown.
5. Cook the veggie crumbles until warmed.  I like to add a tablespoon or two of water to make the meat         more moist, being careful to not make it soggy.
6. Have two 8 x 8 casserole dishes ready for when you are done mixing the veggies in with the meat and veggie crumbles.
7. Veggies time! I encourage you to get creative here.  I like to add 3/4 a can of corn and 1/2 a can of peas.  My significant vegetarian likes it with 1 can of corn and the leftovers from mine.  You can put whatever you like.  Try carrots or even green beans.  Whatever you like as long as you tell me if it came out good. When you decide what veggies you want to use mix them into their respective frying pans.
8. Put the meaty and veggie concoctions their respective casseroles.  Create a second layer on top of the first by spreading (not mixing) the mashed potatoes on top.
9. (optional) If you like cheese you can sprinkle 1/2 a cup on top of the potatoes.
10. Place both casseroles uncovered into the oven for 20 minutes. 
11. To lightly brown the top of the mashed potato switch the oven to broil on high for a couple minutes keeping a close eye on it because it will burn easily.



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