The Ultimate Shepherd's Pie

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onion ½ cup chopped carrots 1 lb lean ground beef 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons garlic minced 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2/3 cup beef broth 1/2 cup peas 1/2 cup corn

Prepared Mashed Potatoes (I use Idaho dehydrated flakes as a shortcut.) 

2 cups shredded Colby Jack Cheese(or your favorite)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the ground beef (or ground lamb) to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add salt and pepper. Stir well. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the meat is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of oil/ pan drippings.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated. Add the broth, peas and corn. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too dry, add a little beef broth to your desired thickness. Set the meat mixture aside. 

Pour the meat mixture into a 9x9 (or 7x11) inch baking dish. Top meat mixture with mashed potatoes. Add cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. 

Shepherd's Pie

I was asked to make a post on my Shepherd's Pie. I hadn't because I really didn't think anyone needed a recipe. I don't think of it being a "recipe" to follow. It's just something I throw together... but here goes.

The pictures below are of my Shepherd's Pie at church for about 50 people in 2 buffet pans. So, the amounts are different when I do such a large batch. All the amounts are up to you and your taste. Use more cheese if you like, or more potatoes etc.

2 pounds Hamburger, cooked and drained
4 cups Mashed Potatoes*
8 oz Sour Cream
Butter, to taste
Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cook the hamburger seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Some people add diced onion while the meat is cooking.

Drain the hamburger, but don't let it dry out.

It helps keep the meat moist!

 Mix the potatoes, butter and sour cream.

Add seasonings such as salt, pepper and garlic powder

and spread over the meat mixture!

Top with cheese and bake at 350 degrees

until the cheese is melted and golden brown!

*Tips... As a short cut and time saver at church, I use potato pearls (They are dehydrated potato pieces). It's your choice. You can use homemade or instant! Also a lot of people add corn between the meat and potatoes. I have some people at church that can't have corn, so I serve it on the side instead.