Ground Beef Pies aren’t really my thing (in fact, I am one of those strange people who hates when her food touches!) but I kept hearing about how much everyone loves Shepherd’s Pie. Apparently, its the ultimate comfort food for a cold day.
Shepherd’s Pie Appetizer
Still unconvinced of the attraction to a whole meal in one forkful, I set out with some friends to make Shepherd’s Pie chic and less tied to miserable weather. These little deconstructed appetizers are the result and they are quite delicious.
Gourmet Blend Meatballs
1 lb Ground Beef, Pork, Veal Blend
1/2 Tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp finely chopped Basil
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 Cup Panko Crumbs
Set oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients and form into 1 1/2 inch Meatballs. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes basting occasionally with pan juices.
Mashed Potatoes
Kosher salt
3 pounds boiling potatoes, such as Yukon gold, peeled
1/2 cup milk
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Add potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes, and return to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain.
Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat; making sure it doesn’t boil. Set aside until the potatoes are done.
Mash the potatoes in a food processor for a smoother dish or with a hand masher for more rustic mashed potatoes. As soon as the potatoes are mashed, stir in the hot milk-and-butter mixture with a whisk or rubber spatula. Add enough buttermilk to make the potatoes creamy. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper, to taste.
Additional Ingredients
French Bread Loaf, thinly sliced
3 Tbsp Butter, softened
Fresh Chives
Set oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter bread slices in an even coating. Remove from oven when golden brown and allow to cool to just warm.
Spoon 1 1/2 Tbsp Mashed Potatoes onto each toasted bread slice. Press one Meatball into each Mashed Potato scoop and top with meatball pan juices and Fresh Chives.
Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie
