Shepherds Pie

The basis of Shepherd's Pie is to make a healthy, filling, inexpensive dinner for the family.
1/2 onion chopped
1 large garlic clove
1 pound meat
Any vegetables you have on hand
Mashed/whipped potatoes (regular or sweet potato)
Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown.


Onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil

That first step is optional.  If you have young children you may be forced to leave out the onions and garlic.  I know that we never allowed our mother to put them into any dish.


Add meat and vegetables

Any meat can be used.  The most traditional would be to use ground lamb.  The most common in this area would be ground beef or ground turkey. 

Add chopped tomatoes

I added salt and ground pepper along with the chopped tomatoes.  My boyfriend bought stewed tomatoes but I'm allergic to bell peppers and they stew them with bell peppers.  I just want to yell, "Really there is flavor outside of bell peppers!"  Let the flavors cook together for awhile.  The liquid will cook down a bit.

Place in the bottom of a pan

Dale didn't have a casserole dish and I didn't want to put the cast iron pan into the refrigerator. (I was preparing the meal for the guys to throw into the oven the next afternoon.)

Piping bag for mashed potatoes

Here is a shortcut for a piping bag.  I used a gallon freezer bag and cut a small triangle in the corner. I wish someone else could have taken a picture of me using it. It worked slick! I wanted some regular potatoes and some sweet potatoes.  I saw the recipe on TV and they had done half and half.  They also put a decorative layer of sweet potato over the regular potato.  I don't think mine looked as nice as theirs did.  But it was my first try.

Pipe mashed potatoes on top

I knew that I was going to be late for supper.  But the guys dug in so that means it was delicious. Looking at the side view, it looks as good as it tastes.  Definitely a recipe that I will need to make again! 

Bake until golden brown & EAT!

I must say that I enjoyed it as much as the guys did.  I had a difficult time not eating a second piece.

Shepherds Pie