SHEPHERD’S PIE

SHEPHERD’S PIE

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1/2 cup diced celery

1 cup diced carrot

1-1/2 pounds ground beef

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon each fresh thyme leaves and chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup beef broth

2 cups fresh or frozen green peas, steamed for a minute

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

8 cups mashed potatoes (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat a large cast iron frying pan over high heat and melt the butter. Add the onions and garlic and stir to coat. Add the celery and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the carrot and cook for another minute.

Add the ground beef and press into pan to begin browning. Continue to break up the meat and cook along with the vegetables until the meat is thoroughly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary and salt and pepper. Mix well. Add the beef broth and simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.

Add the peas and toss with the meat mixture. Sprinkle the parsley on top and mix lightly. Remove from heat.

With a spatula, evenly spread the meat and vegetables in the pan. Add the mashed potatoes in dollops, and use a spoon to evenly spread. With the tines of a fork, make a pattern over the top of the mashed potatoes.

Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

Serves 8.

MASHED POTATOES

2-1/2 pounds gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1” chunks

1 tablespoon salt for the cooking water

1/2 cup milk

6 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 cup grated white cheddar cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When water is boiling, add the salt. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to medium and cook potatoes for 20 minutes.

Drain.

Mash the potatoes using a hand masher to desired consistency.

Melt the butter in the milk in a small saucepan. Pour over the potatoes and mix well. Add the salt and pepper. Add the cheese and stir until incorporated. Cover and keep warm until needed.