Shepherds (Cottage*) Pie

Oct 6

I don’t know why we can’t seem to get the Cottage versus Shepherds pie correct on most recipe boards, but realizing now that shepherd’s pie (lamb) and cottage (beef) are different, let me tell you how to make the easiest Cottage Pie that will feed your holiday crowd! You will need a crockpot as this is a forget it and set it recipe.

The recipe involves instant potatoes, and for some reason a lot of people hate using them, I personally think if you utilize them as a seasoning as opposed to a filler, then it is an excellent ingredient to mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the beef:
Refrigerated
2lbs of ground beef
4 cloves of garlic
1 bag of frozen peas and carrots
1 yellow onion
optional: 1 can of corn
Baking and spices:
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of beef bouillon
2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp of oregano
1 tbsp of thyme
1 tbsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp of onion powder
2 tbsp of tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potatoes:
1 bag of yukon potatoes
1 package of Idahoan mashed potato mix (roasted garlic flavor)
½ cup of shredded cheddar
1 stick of butter
1 cup of half and half or regular milk
1 tablespoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of garlic salt

The thyme and oregano add a good depth to the meat, and if you're not willing to use a stick of butter for mashed potatoes, nobody would like for you to be in charge of mashed potatoes.

the shit that will be going down while you make everyone their new favorite comfort dish

Directions:

Turn your crockpot on to medium (about 4 hours)

In a large pan or pot heat up 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium high heat.
Add your 2 pounds of beef and saute, add some salt and pepper and four cloves of minced garlic, making sure to break up the larger beef pieces for about 3 minutes
Add to crockpot with oil and fat
Cube your yellow onion and add to the crockpot
Add your seasonings: 2 tbsp of beef bouillon, 1 tbsp of oregano, 1 tbsp of thyme, 1 tbsp of garlic powder, 1 tbsp of onion powder, and some salt and pepper.
Stir thoroughly
Add your frozen peas and carrots and add 2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp of tomato paste and stir everything together.
Close your crockpot and make sure it is set to 4-6 hours. (Which is medium heat)
Wait 4 hours until your beef is fully cooked
While your beef is cooking, wash your potatoes and cube them respectively with the peel still on
Add your potatoes to a large pot and cover with water just about half an inch above the potatoes
Add a sprinkle of salt and boil on medium high heat
When fork tender add one package of Idahoan mashed potatoes
Mash together, utilizing the left over water to hydrate the instant potatoes
When your potatoes are becoming a bit dry add your 1 cup of regular milk or half and half
Add in your seasonings while still mashing: 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic salt.
After mixing thoroughly add your one stick of butter and incorporate everything together with your masher and get to the desired consistency.
Set your oven to 375 degrees
Take a perforated ladle (a ladle with holes in it to allow liquid to run through), and scoop a layer of beef onto your choice of pan (or pans) and allow to cool.
After your beef has cooled, add your mashed potatoes on top, and then sprinkle cheddar cheese
Cook in your oven at 375 degrees uncovered for 7-10 minutes
Take out your cottage pies and let them cool before serving, or don’t if you don’t care about burning your friends and family.