I don’t know where I’ve been – but when a friend mentioned she was making Shepherd’s Pie for dinner, I really had no idea what she meant.
That was a few years ago – and thanks to her, I have discovered a meal that everyone in my family loves (a rarity, I know).
For the uninitiated (like me) this dish is basically a layered casserole that has a base of ground meat, mixed with tomato and green beans, italian seasonings. This is topped off with a layer of mashed potatoes. Now I know you are cowering at the mention of green beans – and you are saying “My kids won’t touch it!” But my very – anything green averse son – happens to like this recipe also. And he does eat those veggies. If it passes his test …
Here is the recipe that I have pieced together over time. Give it a try – and be sure to report back as to how it fared with your family. I would love to know!
NeenMachine’s Shepherd Pie Recipe
3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (any style will do – instant or homemade)
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 large onion, chopped
1 10 oz package frozen cut green beans, thawed
1/3 cup water
1 tsp Emeril’s Italian Essence or any dried italian seasoning
1 15oz can diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes (pureed in food processor – if kids don’t like chunks of tomatoes in their food)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
In a large stove to oven type pan (around 4 quart size) brown the ground meat and the onion until cooked completely through. Drain off the fat. Stir the green beans and water into the beef. Cover and cook on medium heat for around 10 minutes – until the beans are cooked through. Stir in the italian seasoning, tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. Flatten mixture into same pan – if oven proof, or into an oven safe pan. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top of beef mixture.
Either cool and refrigerate for a meal later in the day or bake right away. If refrigerating for later then bake time will increase. Monitor casserole in the oven and remove when it is bubbly and heated through.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Serves around six people.
Enjoy!
I didn’t get a chance to snap a pic before my family devoured this make ahead meal – but I will try to do so next time and post it here.
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