Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie from Leftovers

I’ve posted a Shepherd’s Pie recipe from scratch previously… but it also makes a great leftover dish. The other day I posted my Leftover Madness post pointing out that leftover gravy from beef stew or pot roast can easily be used to make more gravy or be used in recipes.

If I have left over meat and/or vegetables from the beef stew or pot roast… I use them as well as the gravy. Shepherd’s pie recipes leaves a lot to your imagination … add as much or as little as you like.

TIPS
I cut up leftover meat to use in the pie… If I need more… I simply brown and drain ground beef. Usually for a meal for four.. I use about one pound of meat.

I like to season the meat with seasonings… again you can add whatever seasonings your family prefers… I use onion powder, garlic powder and ground pepper.

Depending on how much leftover gravy I have will depend on whether or not I add more beef stock or broth to the dish. When using about a pound of meat, I like to have about two cups of leftover gravy or broth.

Usually my stew gravy is fairly thin, so I add about a tablespoon of flour to thicken it. To avoid lumps… I mix the flour with some broth in a measuring cup, mixing it well to smooth and creamy mixture, then add it to the pot.

I like to add fresh chopped parsley to the dish, it adds great flavor. I use about two tablespoons.

I either use fresh or frozen vegetables for the pot pie. Again, it’s up to you what to include. I use frozen corn, carrots and pies, and green beans. I use about ¼ to ½ cup of each. I like to use frozen pearl onions also, they’re quick and easy additions.

Although I do have canned mushrooms in the pantry for emergencies, I do prefer to use fresh sliced mushrooms, they add so much flavor.

The addition of beer or wine is good, but totally optional. I don’t add much… about ½ cup. I use a Cabernet for the wine and for the beer… I found an English Brown Ale that I really like to use called Hobgoblin.

If I don’t add the beer or wine I add 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to add flavor.

If I know I’m going to have leftover pot roast and that I’m going to use it for Shepherd’s Pie, I also make extra mashed potatoes so I have them already made for the pie.

To change the flavor of the meal if I’m serving it in the same week as the original meal… I make cheddary cheesy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed.

I hope you find great ways to use your leftovers!







Recipe: Shepherd's Pie from Leftovers

All you need:

Leftover beef, diced (optional)
1 pound lean ground beef (less if you have leftover beef)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
About 5 turns on the pepper mill
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups leftover gravy or broth
½ cup beer or wine (optional)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (if not using beer or wine)
1 tablespoons flour (optional)
½ cup frozen pearl onions
¼- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
¼- ½ cup frozen corn
¼- ½ cup frozen green beans
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
Mashed potatoes

All you need to do:


Brown and drain ground beef. Add spices and Worcestershire sauce.

Add beer or wine if adding it in.

Add diced leftover beef if available.





Add gravy and/or broth.

Add vegetables.

Simmer until vegetables are cooked.

Add flour if needed (see tips).




Add mashed potatoes to the top and serve or serve in individual dishes.