Weeknight Shepherd’s Pie

Name: Weeknight Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium potatoes; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 cup chopped, fresh, or frozen onion; 4 ounces chopped, fresh, or canned mushrooms; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 package (.87 ounce) brown gravy mix mixed with 1 cup water; 1 package 17 ounce beef roast au jus (2-3 cups leftover beef roast, fork-shredded); 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; Freshly-ground pepper; Paprika; Spray butter or thin slices of butter

February 19, 2012

Weeknight Shepherd’s Pie is a simple but delicious way to use left-over pot roast or roast beef, topped with mashed potatoes. Substitute my mashed cauliflower for the potatoes if you are counting carbs.

It was an unforgettable adventure for us Herd girls– full of good memories, new friends, scary driving, and traditional English food. My Aunt Margaret, of Fresh Strawberry Pie fame, is not only a good cook, but also a genealogy expert. She planned the trip for us to visit and explore locations where some of the Herd family use to live near Sedburgh, England.

: House in Cogills where my ancestors on the Herd side of the family once lived.

: 1998 in England

: Sherlock Holmes restaurant in London where I ate Shepherd’s Pie

In addition to fish and chips, we got to sample another British favorite, Shepherd’s Pie. Since then, whenever I have pot roast leftovers, I have trouble deciding if I will make Shepherd’s Pie, Vegetable Beef Soup, or Steak and Mushroom Soup. They are both great ways to recycle shredded beef.

Although many people use ground beef, I much prefer pot roast or roast beef. Seems more authentic, although in reality, there probably isn’t much about this recipe that is anything like the traditional way Brits would prepare this dish. If you are English, I would love to hear how you make yours.

Please note the recipe below includes instructions for the mashed-potato topping but in real life I usually use mashed potato leftovers.

Yield: 8 servings

Weeknight Shepherd's Pie

Roast beef and vegetables (peas and carrots) in a rich beef gravy covered with a layer of seasoned mashed potatoes

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

3 medium potatoes
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup chopped, fresh, or frozen onion
4 ounces chopped, fresh, or canned mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 package (.87 ounce) brown gravy mix mixed with 1 cup water
1 package 17 ounce beef roast au jus (2-3 cups leftover beef roast, fork-shredded)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Freshly-ground pepper
Paprika
Spray butter or thin slices of butter

Instructions

Potato Topping

Cover peeled potatoes with water and boil until tender. Drain.
Mash potatoes until relatively smooth. Heat milk and butter in microwave for 1 minute. Add to potatoes. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.

Beef Layer

Preheat large skillet and spray or brush with thin coating of vegetable oil. Saute onions until soft. Add mushrooms to onions and continue to saute until browned. Add peas and carrots.
In separate bowl, prepare gravy mix and water. Add to skillet along with beef and thyme. Stir and simmer until mixture begins to thicken. Season with freshly ground pepper.
Pour meat mixture into greased 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. Carefully spoon mashed potatoes on top and swirl. Sprinkle with paprika and spray with butter.
Bake in 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden on top and beef mixture is bubbly.

Notes

If I have lots of leftover gravy, I don't use the brown gravy mix.

Mushrooms are optional but add to the meaty taste and texture.

If you have it, smoked paprika is nice on top or leave it off completely.

Posts Related to Weeknight Shepherd’s Pie:

« Strawberry, Balsamic and Goat Cheese Muffins

Using a Handheld Device to Vacuum-Pack Lettuce »

Comments