Monday, January 21, 2008

Shepherd's Pie

I've seen several shepherd's pie recipes popping up on blogs recently and why not - it's the perfect winter meal. Meat and veggies and potatoes all in one delicious serving. I thought Joe would really enjoy this, and with the temperatures only climbing into the low 20's this past Sunday I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make shepherd's pie. Since I had just gotten my new Kraft Food and Family magazine I decided to make their version of the meal. It was extremely easy, but I felt like something was missing. Joe said "more cheese" (after all, doesn't cheese make everything better?) but I think the meat could have used some more seasoning or something. I will make shepherd's pie again for sure, but next time I may use a slightly more complex recipe to get better flavor. But this one is good in a pinch!

Easy Shepherd's Pie

1 lb. ground beef
2 cups hot mashed potatoes
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup beef gravy

PREHEAT oven to 375ºF. Brown meat in large skillet. Meanwhile, mix potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and the garlic until well blended.

DRAIN meat. Return to skillet; stir in vegetables and gravy. Spoon into 9-inch square baking dish; cover with potato mixture and remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.

4 comments:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

great looking dish. i love recipes like this!

Maria♥ said...

Hi Brooke

Can i say how delish your shepherd's pie looks. Being a brit i often make this but it's called Cottage Pie when using beef and shepherds pie if using lamb. Next time add a teaspoon of mixed herbs and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, this will give it that extra flavour it was missing ;o)

Maria
x

Brooke said...

Thanks, Maria - I'll try that!

Karen said...

I have a shepherd's pie recipe from a daytime show on about 8 years ago(Ainsley Harriot). It has curry paste, soy sauce, beef broth, ketchup and chopped tomatoes added to the usual lamb and veggie mix. Really yummy! I leave out the curry paste for guests who think they don't like it! I also have substituted red wine for the beef broth and added some worchestershire sauce. The recipe also calls for thickening with corn starch. Turns out great every time!