How many times have you made mashed potatoes just so you'll have leftovers for shepherd's pie? Using potato tots instead not only saves you time but makes for a crispy topping that's a nice contrast to the beef filling.
Directions for: Shortcut Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
1 Tbsp vegetable oil, plus more if needed
1 lb(s) 85% lean ground beef
1 onion, diced small
2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
2 thyme sprigs or pinch dried thyme
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef stock
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
10 oz frozen mixed peas and carrots
1 lb(s) frozen mini or regular potato tots (about 4 cups)
cup shredded sharp yellow Cheddar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Heat a large skillet over high heat for 2 minutes, then add the oil. (It will shimmer and lightly smoke; that's OK.) when you start to see wisps of smoke, crumble the ground beef evenly into the pan. Let the beef cook undisturbed until browned on one side, 3 minutes, then start breaking it up and turning it to brown any remaining pink spots, about 4 minutes more. Transfer the beef with a slotted spoon to a medium bowl; set aside.
2. Turn the heat down to medium and discard all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet. Add the onions, garlic and thyme, stir to combine and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the cooked beef, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs if using. Fold in the peas and carrots.
3. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch square casserole pan, and top with the potato tots and Cheddar. Bake until the potato tots are crisp and the meat layer is bubbling up the sides, 20 to 25 minutes.
Source and Credits
Copyright 2014 Television Food Network, G.P. all rights reserved.
Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
See more: Vegetables, Bake, Beef, Cheese, Herbs, Potatoes