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a serving of balsamic shepherds pie

From Scratch Balsamic Shepherd's Pie

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Ground Beef and Veggie Filling

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2-3 carrots
  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp Italian seasonings
  • 1 15- oz. can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1-3 cups additional vegetables of choice
  • zucchini or yellow squash
  • peas
  • green beans
  • corn

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 12-16 small potatoes red or yellow preferred
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup milk maybe more depending on how you like your mashed potatoes
  • 2 tsp salt plus more for salting water
  • 1 cup sharp cheese shredded (such as cheddar or parmesan)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by finely dicing carrots and onions and any other raw veggies of choice, and chop potatoes into large chunks.
  • Put potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.

For the filling

  • Add the carrots and onions to a large sauce pan with the ground beef over medium heat. Season the meat and vegetables with the garlic powder, salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Break up the meat and cook until browned.
  • Once the meat is browned, add the tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and additional vegetables. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook until the vegetables are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

For the potatoes

  • Check the potatoes while the sauce thickens. Once they are fork tender, strain them and place in a bowl or stand mixer.
  • Add the butter and let it soften in the hot potatoes before mashing.
  • Mash the potatoes either with the mixer or with a potato masher.
  • Add milk 1/2 cup at a time until the potatoes are your desired consistency.
  • Pour the meat and veggie sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish, then top with dollops of mashed potatoes. Spread the potatoes to evenly cover the pan.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, then bake in the oven at 375° F until the cheese melts and begins to color (about 10-15 minutes).
Keyword balsamic, dinner, from scratch, Veggie focused