Nana's Shepherd's Pie #StPatricksDay

St. Patrick's Day is almost here and what better way to celebrate then to join in with other bloggers and share great recipes! Today I am sharing a family recipe of Shepherd's Pie with you that is classic comfort food! Then all my blogger friends are joining in with many yummy options to go along with it!

Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate comfort food and a classic casserole! 

Don't let the word "casserole" scare you away, this classic is delicious, with a layer of  savory beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for every meat & potatoes lover.

Traditionally from England and made with lamb, here in the U.S. we tend to us ground beef. 

I was introduced to Shepherd's Pie from my husband. His mother makes this dish and it has always been a childhood favorite of his. Since this blog started out to document family recipes this is one of those days to make sure we capture a family favorite.

Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your tastes, or even what you have on hand in the fridge.  I traditionally make this recipe after Easter and Thanksgiving to use up my leftover homeamde creamed corn and mashed potatoes which is in keeping with the version my husband grew up with , but you can also mix in carrots and peas into your ground beef instead, or regular corn too. 

I do add a little cheese to the top which is my own addition to the family recipe. I just  can't seem to help myself, love that browned crispy cheesy topped potatoes!

Printable Recipe
Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/2 lb's ground beef.

1 medium onion diced

1/2 cup beef broth

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

1 - 1 1/2 cups creamed corn or vegetables of your choice

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400°
• In Skillet over medium heat cook ground beef and onions.  drain drippings. 
• Stir in beef broth, worcestershire sauce, and any salt and pepper to ground beef. 
• Add in any vegetables (if not using creamed corn) that need cooking such as peas or carrots at this point.
• Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. 
• Keep an eye on the liquid, making sure it doesn't overcook and run dry. Add a bit more broth if needed to keep ground beef moist. You don't want "runny" but you don't want totally dry ground beef either. (Think taco seasoned meat if that helps)
• Remove from heat.
• Pour into a 2 qt. Casserole dish.
• Top with creamed corn. (or you can stir the creamed corn into the beef if you want to)
• Spread Mashed potatoes over the creamed corn.
• Top with the cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes till brown and bubbly. 

    St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner.  It is a great time to celebrate the Irish in all of us, even if there isn't any!  There are a lot more ways to celebrate than drinking green beer.  So Jan from The Tip Garden and Carlee from Cooking with Carlee got us together to share our best St. Patrick's Day inspired recipes.  There is sure to be something for everyone!

Beef and Stout Stew from Caroline's Cooking

Chocolate Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting from Grumpy's Honeybunch

Chocolate Stout Floats from The Chef Next Door

Easy 5 Ingredient Chocolate Mint Cookies from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks

Grilled Cabbage Steaks from Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Irish Tea Brack from Cooking With Carlee

Lucky Leprechaun Minty Milkshakes from Family Around the Table

Nana's Shepherd's Pie from The Tip Garden

Reuben Quesadillas from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Reuben Stuffed Crescent Rolls from From Gate to Plate

Slow Cooker Guinness Pot Roast from Amy's Cooking Adventures

St. Patrick's Day Green Martini - Melontini from All That's Jas

Stout Cupcakes with Irish Buttercream from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures

Ulster Fry from Palatable Pastime