I made this dish earlier this week. I've made it before, but never really cared for it, so this time around I tweaked it a bit. I sauteed some white onion, which I usually do for most hamburger meat type casseroles I make, and instead of adding two packages of mixed frozen vegetables, I only added one. The instant mashed potatoes came out better than usual this time. I sometimes hurry and don't stir the potato flakes in slowly, but this time I took my time, and boy did that make a difference. Those three things, and cooking the meat until crispy, is what made this so tasty this time around. Michael really likes Shepherd's Pie, and he really likes my new version of it, which is mostly in the way I make it than in what is in the dish.Here's my version...
Ingredients:
2 lbs hamburger meat
half a large white onion chopped
kosher salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
Instant mashed potatoes packet
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
grated sharp cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
I put enough 'extra light olive oil' to cover the bottom of a large skillet and saute the chopped onion. I drain the extra oil then add the hamburger meat. I brown the meat then add some seasonings to the meat. I like to add kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I don't measure the seasonings, I just throw some in, taste, and add more if needed. Here's the key to what I think is great tasting hamburger meat, which adds so much to the flavor of this dish... I brown the meat until it's crispy. I love hamburger meat this way. While the meat is browning, I prepare the instant mashed potatoes and frozen vegetables. Just go by the directions on the instant mashed potatoes packet/box and put the frozen vegetables in the microwave. When the vegetables are done, drain water, then add butter. Once everything is done, put the meat into a 9x13 baking dish, then put the vegetables on top of the meat, then spread the mashed potatoes on top of the vegetables, then add enough grated cheddar cheese to cover the top of the potatoes; I like to add extra cheese. Put it in the oven for 20 minutes. When it's done, I turn the oven to broil and brown the cheese on top a bit. This can take a couple of minutes or more depending on how much cheese was added to the top. Once it's done, take it out and let it cool a couple of minutes before serving.
There was just a little bit left this time; usually there's at least half or more left... everyone, except Bailey, who doesn't like dinner (ha), went back for seconds and even thirds. Yum! :)
It may look a bit messy, but it sure is tasty.
I thought I would add a few pics from that afternoon... I took the girls to a nearby park. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately.
What is coming down the strange, orange tube?
Ah, there she is... it's Bailey...
And then came Caitie... she doesn't like to go down a slide the usual way, she does it every other way, this time on her knees.
Then it was time to head home and start on the tasty Shepherd's Pie.
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I'm still trying to get caught up on blog posts for 2014.
(the father's day 2014 post is below)
