Sheriff Don's Shepherd Pie

The original sheperds pie dish originated in the 1500-1600s in Ireland... or perhaps Scotland, depending on whose allegiances your family tree descends from. It was taditionally made with leftover ground lamb and vegetables, including potatoes, which were generally mashed and provided a topping for the meat and vegetable layer. Most Irish versions of this dish use lamb or mutton. If beef is used, it comes from an English recipe and is properly called a cottage pie.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F degrees.

Step 2

In a large cooking pan, saute butter and onions until carmalized. Add lamb and break into small crumbles with a meat masher

Step 3

Stir in remaining filler liquids, spices, and vegetables, cooking until vegatables are tender (about 10-15 minutes).

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix broth and corn starch together, then pour into meat and vegetable mixture until gravy thickens.

Step 5

Place meat and vegetable mixture into a lightly greased 9" x 13" baking dish.

Step 6

In a medium cooking pot, submerge peeled and diced potatoes and cook until softened. Drain water and set aside.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, add potato flakes, cooked potatoes, butter, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, and egg, then blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Spread potato mixture evenly over top of meat and vegetable mixture, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove and top with grated cheese. Place back in oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Step 8

Remove from oven and garnish with parsley flakes, and paprika and serve hot.