The Thing About Shepherd's Pie

Of all the dishes that I love to make and eat, two never even entered my imagination growing up: Tuna Noodle Casserole and Shepherd's Pie.  They just weren't part of either my mom or dad's repertoire.  And while I have a fairly stable way for making Tuna Noodle Casserole, Shepherd's Pie has evolved into more of a state of mind than a hard and fast recipe.  There are three basic concepts: a meat layer, a veggie layer and a starch layer (notice how I didn't say potato). 

What follows is tonight's version...I may never make it exactly this way again, who knows?

 Assemble the ingredients: (Most shown)

Meatloaf mix Ground Meat

Onion

Can of Zesty Diced Tomatoes

Corn

Green Beans

Red Pepper

Instant Potatoes

Brown Gravy Mix

Milk

Butter

Colby Jack Cheese

 Prepare the veggies: Thaw Corn, cut and blanch Green Beans, Dice Onion and Red Pepper.

Cook the meat with the onion.  I cover then and cook until meat is done (5-8 minutes)

 

While Meat is cooking, constitute the Instant Potatoes and set aside

Drain the extra juice off of the canned Tomatoes and reserve for later, add the tomatoes to the meat and cook on low to reduce the excess liquid.

 While you are doing this, combine the vegetables.  I use no salt or pepper in this version because the canned tomatoes have more than enough salt and the zesty gives them the mildly picante flavor.

 Take the reserved tomato juice and add water to one cup.

Pour the liquid into the can and mix the gravy mix drawing in any residue from the tomatoes left in the can.

 Pour onto the meat mixture and simmer to thicken and reduce.

Turn your attention to the Potatoes.  Take about a cup of shredded cheese and stir into the cooling potatoes.  Save a little of the cheese to top the finished creation.

 When the gravy has reduced and thickened you are ready to assemble the "pie". 

 First layer is the meat.

 Second layer is the veggie mix.

 Cap it with the Potato-Cheese mixture and garnish with the little extra cheese.

 You're not technically cooking anything at this point so I mingle all the flavors at 300˚ degrees for 55 minutes.  When out, you want it to set for 15 minutes or so. 

Then just enjoy!