The other night I had a pound of organic grass-fed beef thawing in the fridge, and it had been the third springtime snowstorm in a week. What to make? I needed the comfort of something hearty, easy, warm, and yummy to ease my winter pain. I checked the pantry and there were six potatoes left at the bottom of the basket (yes, with a few eyes) and that resolved it. Shepherd's pie. I challenged myself to see just how easily I could make it, and I have to say, this is really, really easy. Nothing fussy about it, except the fact that everything in it is organic.
Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Potatoes on Top
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 cup mixed frozen veggies (corn, carrots, peas)
¼ cup flour
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon salt
Ground pepper, to taste
For the mashed Potatoes:
6 medium sized potatoes
6 Tablespoons butter
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
1. In a smallish casserole dish, put the olive oil on the bottom. Add the ground beef and frozen vegetables and mix together.
2. Add the flour and water to a cup and stir together. Pour over the beef and veggies.
3. Add the salt and pepper and put it in the oven to bake for about ½ hour.
4. That was easy!
5. Now, on top of the stove, put the peeled and quartered potatoes on to boil.
6. When they are cooked (test by sticking a fork in; if it goes in easily, they are done), drain the water, add 4 tablespoons of the butter, the milk, and the salt, and mash with a masher.
7. Open the oven and take out the casserole dish (the beef should be fully cooked at this point, and the gravy bubbling). Put the mashed potatoes on top, and dot with the rest of the butter.
8. Turn the oven up to broil and put the casserole in for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the butter on top is melted, and there is a nice golden tinge to the potatoes.
This serves four to six, and also makes a good breakfast the next day! (Snow or no snow.)
Related Links:
http://www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com/the-joy-of-buttered-eggs/">The Joy of Buttery Eggs - Maria's Farm Country Kitchen
20 Ways to Feed Your Family for Under $100 a Week - Prevention
How to Spring Clean Your Kitchen - Rodale.com
For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com.