Shepherd's Pie ( 2 kinds)

Shepherd's pie is a classic around here. Everyone has some version of it and I have seen it called a few different things. Here I have 2 versions, a meat lovers and a veggie one. These casseroles are great for batch cooking. I try to always make 2 and freeze the extra one for a crazy day supper. Very inexpensive, hearty and delicious, this is one of my favorite casseroles. I serve it with some carrot and celery sticks.

I buy burger once in a blue moon on sale and cook, storing 1 pound portions in quart freezer bags in my freezer. To freeze made ahead casseroles, line your baking dish with foil. After the dish has frozen, lift it out and over wrap with more foil. Don't forget to write on it what it is and the date!

Hamburger Shepherds Pie

1.5 lbs Hamburger, cooked and crumbled
1 cup salsa
1.5 cups whole kernel corn
6 large potatoes
4 TB butter
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste.
gravy(optional)

Quarter the potatoes, cover with water and put on to boil. I don't peel mine but you can if you wish. Boil until soft and mashable. Add the butter and milk. Mash out any of the lumps. Set aside.

In a 9x9 baking dish put the cooked burger across the bottom. Spoon the salsa over the burger. Next layer is the corn. I buy the big bags of frozen corn at the wholesale club.  Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Heat in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes.

 If you want to, you can serve with gravy. Everyone has their own thoughts on gravy, packets, cans, jars or, if you are really brave, homemade. I don't serve gravy but my mother-in-law always does.

Portabella Shepherd's Pie

16 oz package of baby portabellas, quartered
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
6 TB butter
1.5 cups whole kernel corn
6 large potatoes
4 TB butter
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste.

In a medium saute pan melt the 6 TB butter. Add the onions, mushrooms and garlic. Cook another few minutes until mushrooms have reduced and are starting to brown. Remove from heat.

Quarter the potatoes, cover with water and put on to boil. I don't peel mine but you can if you wish. Boil until soft and mashable. Add the 4 TB butter and milk. Mash out any of the lumps. Set aside.

In a 9x9 baking dish layer the mushroom mixture in the bottom. Next is the sweet corn. Lastly is the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Heat in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes.