Shepherd's Pie

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I've always had a fondness for this holiday...any kid loves a holiday with their name in it no matter how vague.  The fact that it has nothing to do with me was besides the point, everyone was happy celebrating me day :)
So I know that Shepherd's Pie is not really Irish but more British but this is what you get when you watch the BBC all day, a huge craving for English food no matter what holiday it is... and I'm going to use today as an excuse to make it. :)  Especially since previously on a St Paddy's day I made French Onion Soup with Irish Beer only to find out that Jeff loathed onion soup.  So this year its simple (& cheaper) - meat & potatoes!
Shepherd's Pie from what I've seen traditionally has lamb but I'm going to go with beef which I guess makes it more of a Cottage Pie except I do want it to be the meat & potatoes dish with not a lot of veggies...decisions decisions!!

Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 egg yokes
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated onion (grated on the larger grate side)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 
• 1 cup grated carrot (grated on the larger grate side)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp Ketchup
• 1/8 tsp ground Thyme
• 1 cup beef broth
• salt & pepper to taste
• Extra Parmesan Cheese for the top

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a large pot of water on high heat for the potatoes.  Cut the potatoes into chunks and add to boiling water. Cook till tender, about 15 minutes. When done drain water.  Mash in butter, egg yoke, and salt & pepper. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat and add onion.  Cook for about 2 minutes. Add ground beef seasoned with a little bit of salt & pepper and minced garlic. Cook till meat is well browned. Drain excess fat from pan. Add carrots and worcestershire sauce mixing well. Add in frying pan the ketchup, thyme, and beef broth. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. With a slotted spoon pack the meat mixture in the bottom of a 2 qt casserole dish, trying to not include a lot of the liquid. Add the mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese and ground pepper on top.  Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes till top is nice and brown.

 mmmmm meat and potatoes....