Garlic Shepherd's Pie

This dish has always reminded me of St. Patrick's Day or Britain. Apparently the British make a yummy dish similar to this using fish "fish pie". I'd love to make it.

A little history on Shepherd's pie from the Wikipedia:

In early cook books, this dish was a means of using leftover roasted meat of any kind, and the pie dish was lined with mashed potato as well as having a mashed potato crust on top.

The term "shepherd's pie" did not appear until 1877 - prior to that this recipe was called "cottage pie".The term "shepherd's pie" should be used when the meat is mutton or lamb with the origin being that shepherds are concerned with sheep

My sister contributed this to our family cookbook. It is the best shepherd's pie I have ever tasted. Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is not served in a pie crust. I made this change and I like it better. Also, it holds the pie together.

This dish is perfect for fall and winter. The combination of this baking with my recipe for Carmel Apple Dumplings makes the most heavenly homey smells in your house!

Tip: I added a little extra of everything and filled 2 pie shells using both Betty Crocker mashed potato pouches.

Garlic Shepherd's Pie

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups frozen baby green beans and carrots
• 2 tsp. butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tsp. shredded Parmesan cheese (I also added cheddar)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 jar (12 oz) beef gravy
• 2 Tbsp chili sauce
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/8 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 pkg (1 pouch) Betty Crocker roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Frozen Pie Crust (thawed)
  

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook beef and onion is skillet. Drain well. Stir in frozen veggies, mushrooms, tomatoes, gravy, chili sauce, basil and pepper. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until
veggies are tender. Cook potatoes as directed on package - using butter, hot water and milk.

Spoon beef mixture into pie crust. Spoon potatoes onto beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes.