Pantry Shepherds Pie Food

PANTRY SHEPHERD'S PIE

Steps:

• 1. Saute the onion.
• 2. Add the ground beef and seasonings then lightly brown (no pink, but not over done)
• 3. Add the mixed veggies (traditional: peas, carrots, green beans, corn, etc. -- or whatever you like or have on hand from zucchini to broccoli or anything in between) -- can add more seasonings at this point if you like
• 4. Cook until veggies are done to your liking
• 5. Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup (or any creamed soup that you like: cheese, celery, etc.) (If you don't have that you can use sour cream and shredded cheese, or cottage cheese, or whatever you think will work to make a thick gravy-like consistency -- even canned or homemade gravy, or marinara sauce.)
• 6. Place all in a 9x13 casserole and open the biscuits and place them on top Bake 350 F till the biscuits are golden brown (or follow package instructions).
• 7. You can also top with any one of the following: A. Bisquick drop biscuits, or make a batter and spread it on top (drop is easier) B. 2 cups of prepared mashed potatoes mixed with cheese (can be instant or homemade) C. Pie/Pastry Dough rolled to fit the pan -- or placed on in pieces as you wish D. Corn bread -- either Jiffy or home made E. Mac and cheese -- any kind F. Stuffing mix G. Groutons H. Slices of Garlic bread I. thawed hash browns or tater tots Have at!!

SHEPHERDS PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Heat oil in large frying pan and saute the onions until softened, then add the garlic and heat for 2 minutes.
• Raise the heat and add the ground beef. Cook quickly to brown, stirring occasionally. Once browned, add the carrots, celery, and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, worchestershire sauce, salt & pepper and cook several minutes.
• Stir in the flour, then add the stock and wine. Heat until simmering and thickened.
• Transfer the meat to a large casserole dish and cook in the oven for about 1 hour. Check the consistency from time to time and add a little more stock or wine if required. The meat mixture should be quite thick but not dry. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if required.
• While meat is cooking, make the mashed potatoes. Cook the peeled potatoes in salted water for approximately 15 - 20 min or until tender. Drain well and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add the butter and milk. If the mixture is too dry, add milk a little at a time.
• On top of the meat mixture, spread the peas on half of the casserole and the corn on the other half (or whichever vegetables you prefer). Pipe or spread the potatoes on top of the vegetables.
• Increase the oven to 400F and cook for 15 - 20 minutes until till golden brown. You can choose to finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes for a really crisp brown topping.

SHEPHERDS PIE WITH PUFF PASTRY CRUST

Steps:

• Thaw the puff pastry for about 40 minutes, once thawed, do not roll it out!
• Spray a 9x9 inch casserole dish with oil and set aside.
• Cook the meatballs for 2 minutes in the microwave. Once they are cool cut them in half.
• Now cook the potatoes and carrots -- and while they are cooking saute the vegetables --.
• Put the cut up potatoes and carrots in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and add the tamari sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer on medium for about 15- 20 minutes or until they are just soft. When they are done drain off the tamari water and add the 1/4 cup vegan margarine and using a hand blender or potato masher combine all together until the potato/carrot mixture is mashed.
• Preheat your oven to 350'F.
• I use coconut oil to saute the vegetables in because it doesn't go rancid when heated on high temperatures. Add all the cut up vegetables to the saute Pan.
• Once the vegetables are just tender (about 15-20 minutes) add the Spike seasoning, garlic powder and pepper to the cooking vegetables. Taste to see if your seasonings are to your liking. Add the meatballs, broth and mushroom soup. Give it a good stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• When done, scoop the vegetables out of the saute pan with a slotted spoon into the oiled casserole dish. There should be some gravy left in the saute pan. Add the bread crumbs to this. If it's too thick add more broth. This mixture should be like gravy.
• Then put the gravy over the vegetables in the casserole dish and spread it all over the vegetables.
• Then put the mashed potato/carrot mixture over the gravy covered vegetables and spread it over all the vegetables. I used an off set spatula for this and it worked great.
• Then place your thawed puff pastry over top and tuck the sides down into the casserole dish. Beat the egg and brush it over the puff pastry.
• Cut steam holes in the top of the puff pastry. Bake for 40 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the vegetables are bubbling hot.
• Serve with a little ketchup, it does add.
• Bon Appetit!