Daily Loaf

Do you hear the bag pipes in the distance? Or was that angels singing? What ever it was, you will hear glorious music when you bite into this casserole.
Many a years I have been completely drunk at the Irish Pub for St. Patty’s, insisting on eating the shepherd’s pie they plop on my plate. And to be honest it is usually bland and nasty. But I still feel the need to order it. I suppose it is some sort of tradition.
A few years back I was on a mission to make a more flavorful version of the gruel. And I think I hit the nail on the head with this one, folks. Try it and I think you’ll agree, it is fabulous. And if you don’t agree, well, then you have serious issues!

Recipe after the break:

The Hungry Housewife’s Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

Serves 6
1 and 1/2 pounds organic ground beef (80 percent lean)
1 (1lb) bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 packets of dry brown gravy mix
1 medium onion
Olive oil
2 bottles Guinness
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
3 pounds baking potatoes
1/4- 1/2 cup milk
1 stick butter
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. To make potato filling: Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Drain completely and place back in pot so all of the water evaporates. In a medium mixing bowl add butter and potatoes. Mash until smooth, while adding the milk for a medium consistency. Add salt and pepper.

3. To make meat filling: Brown and drain ground beef. Place drained beef back in skillet and add 1 bottle of Guinness. Cook until beer has almost cooked out. Add tomato paste to meat.

4. In a medium sauce pan, prepare the brown gravy according to package directions, however use beer for half the liquid called for (1 cup water, 1 cup beer). Pour gravy into meat mixture. Cook meat and gravy together until thickened.

5. In medium skillet, sauté onions with a little olive oil until soft and translucent. Add mixed vegetables to the onions and cook until warmed through.

6. In a 2 quart baking dish, add meat as bottom layer, then add vegetables, and then add the mashed potatoes. Top with shredded cheese. Cook at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until cheese is nice and bubbly.

Enjoy,

The Hungry Housewife

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