Shepherd's Pie

My husband and I recently went to Marie Callendar's Restaurant and ordered their Shepherd's Pie off their Winter Menu. Let me just say: IT WAS OUTSTANDING -- they made theirs with tender roasted beef cubes and the gravy was to die for.
I had to go home and try to replicate this inspiration. This first image is taken from their website to give you their presentation.






I started with onions, celery and carrots and cooked them with butter.





After they had cooked about 5 minutes I added 4 ounces of white mushrooms, a chopped medium zucchini, and 2 teaspoons of garlic and 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh chives. Seasoned the vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cooked until tender crisp about 5 minutes. I added 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce to the vegetables.



I am all about shortcuts when a good one exists run with it. I used a 17 oz package of Hormel Beef Tips and gravy. Added them to the vegetables and heated through. I added 1/3 a jar of Heinz Homestyle Savory Beef Gravy because it looked a little thick.






I like mashed potatoes from scratch, but in a pinch (time pressure) I do occasionally grab a package of Potatoes -- this time I used Betty Crocker's Butter and Herb Potatoes. I prepared them in the microwave according to package directions.





After putting the meat and vegetable mixture in a dish I topped them with the potatoes and then sprinkled it all with a little Cheddar Cheese.

I heated the oven to 350 and baked the casserole for 20 minutes.




I have to say that Marie's Shepherd's Pie was better than my end product, but it really was not bad. Next time I will double the meat product.





BECKY'S SHEPHERD'S PIE RECIPE

Serves 4-6

1/2 stick butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
2 medium carrots, chopped into small cubes
2 tsp minced garlic
4 oz white mushrooms (half a container)
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/2 tsp. salt
2-3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 (17 oz) Hormel Beef Tips and Gravy (next time I will use 2 packages)
1/3 jar Heinz Homestyle Savory Beef Gravy
1 package Betty Crocker Butter and Herb Potatoes (half a box) prepared according to box.
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cook onion, celery and carrots in 4 Tbsp butter. Cook until onions have softened. Add 2 tsp. minced garlic, mushrooms, Zucchini , salt and chopped chives. Cook 5-7 minutes. Add 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce to the vegetables and cook one more minute. Add Beef Tips and Gravy and heat through mixing until combined. Pour into a casserole. Prepare the potatoes according to directions on box and spoon on top of meat and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.

Now that I think about it - -Marie Callendar's version also had peas and corn in it.. that would make a nice addition.