Shepard’s Pie
A blizzard is in the forecast for the weekend. So, we will be making this. When I think of the ultimate cozy comfort food, a Shepard’s Pie is at the top of that list. This ‘pie’ is loaded with flavors, has lots of vegetables, and is topped with a crusty, cheesy potato crust. Perfect eaten fireside with a big glass of red wine. Hope this helps with your weekend planning.
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3 carrots, finely diced (3/4 cup)
3 stalks celery, finely diced (3/4 cup)
1 medium onion, finely diced (1 1/2 cups)
1 lb. ground beef
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup Guinness, room temperature
1 cup beef stock
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen peas
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
Melt the butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery and onions, and sautee 3 - 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 - 7 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the top and cook about 1 minute. Whisk in the porter and stock, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the corn, peas, Worcestershire, garlic powder and red pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook to reduce the liquid by one-third, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and coarsely diced (about 2 lbs.)
Kosher salt
1/2 cup sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese
6 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded
Coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 bunch scallions, greens only, sliced
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 10 minutes.
Drain and transfer the potatoes to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the sour cream, cream cheese, pepper Jack and some salt and pepper, and mix until fluffy. Season to taste.
Top meat mixture with potatoes. Bake for 25 minutes. You can place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes to get an extra crispy crust, if desired. Let sit for 15 minutes before enjoying.
