Some weeks are rough, which is why some Saturday nights need to be spent on the couch in baggy sweatpants watching old Grey’s Anatomy reruns. An alcoholic beverage is—of course—optional but encouraged.
But what is necessary on those kind of nights is some good, homey food. You know, something filled with carbs and memories. Now, I’ve never cooked shepherds pie before this, or had any memories with it. But anything that’s meat and potatoes you know I’m going to love.
This surprised me with how easy it was to make. It took about 90 minutes in total, but I was doing work and watching some Grey’s(not to mention the kitchen Sugarland dancing…) so really the time flew by. There was no trick; no fuss. And even though this recipe has no added fat, it was still perfectly flavorful. I will happily turn to this in good times and in bad.
Traditional Shepherds Pie(Makes 4 servings)
Ingredients:
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3 large carrots
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5 stalks celery
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2 small yellow onions
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1lb ground beef or lamb
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4 medium baking potatoes
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1/2 cup milk(or non-dairy substitute)
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Salt & pepper
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake the potatoes for about 30-40 minutes, or until soft. While the potatoes are cooking, dice the onion, celery, and carrots. Sweat the vegetables in a pan for a few minutes stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent.
Add in the ground meat and cook until the outside has browned, but don’t overcook or worry about cooking it through. Season with salt and pepper.
When the potatoes are ready, move them to a large bowl and mash(you can scrape the peel off now if you’d prefer not to eat that). Add in the liquid and continue to mash until it forms a sort of paste. Season with salt.
Pour the vegetable/meat mixture into a large baking dish, or 4 individual ramekins. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375 until the top has begun to brown on the sides.
I was skeptical at first that something so simple could be so comforting; I looked at recipes that used much more ingredients. Still, this was perfect in its simplicity and warmth. I’d be happy to make it again(and again… and again).
What’s your idea of comfort food?
I feel like this could be the first dish of many based on Grey’s. You could even write an entire Grey’s cookbook…think about it
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Evan Thomas Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 9:25 am
If that could be my job, I’d know I had died and gone to heaven.
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love cottage pie! i make mine in 30mins! using ground lamb, and cauliflower mash with garlic and EVOO. i fooled some people…they thought it was potato!
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eatmovelove Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 8:41 am
With cauliflower? That sounds interesting…
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Love Shepherd’s Pie. And this looks really easy! I knew it was something with potatoes yesterday…
Where do you get your “inspiration” or ideas on what to cook next from?…a craving? Books? Requests from your family?…Grey’s?
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LOVE that you named this after my favorite doctor!
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Looks good. Shepherd’s PIe is awesome.
I am not a fan of Grey’s though. I find it so melodramatic and mopey. Meredith is kind of dopey and dreamy I think. And Chandra (the head nurse woman) completely overacts or her script pieces are so melodramatic. I find it over-the-top! I disliked all last season, but thought the finale was great. But so far, I don’t care for it again.
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oh dear, shepherd’s pie is heaven. heaven i tell you! i’m all about mac and cheese for comfort food, but this is a really close second
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will you still remember my dog’s name if I tell you I have never had Shepherd’s Pie OR watched Greys?
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I prefer mine vegan, but I LOVE shepherd’s pie, “chicken” pot pie, all of those yummy comfort foods. Looks delicious Evan!
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I have to agree with Anna. We need a Grey’s cookbook!!!
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Omg yesterday i thought your shepards pie was ice cream w/ bacon in it LOL!! Glad to hear what it REALLY is! haha!
Ok so Scott would go nuts for the shepards pie. There is not a man alive who doesnt love potatoes and season them with some meat, yeah, pretty much a sure thing I think
Greys. Never watch it. But highly encourage alcoholic bevs when ever possible LOL
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yep. totally fooled me as well. haha
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Shepherd’s Pie is one of my favorite fall/winter foods and I love that your recipe seems pretty quick! My favorite comfort food is definitely mac and cheese!
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Looks like perfect “staying in with the mchotties” food!
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LOL the name of this is my favorite part. I am obsessed with mashed potatoes so I’m already pretty crazy about this. YUM!
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Mmm I love making veg Shepherd’s Pie, especially if I add some cheese into the potato crust:)
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That looks amazing! I’ve never made shepherd’s pie…but need to! I think potatoes make most anything a comfort food!
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