Shepherd's Pie

Directions

1. 1
   Get started on the mash potatoes first so they are prepared and ready to go when the rest of the steps are complete.
2. 2
   Brown ground beef in a non stick skillet until almost done.
3. 3
   There should still be a few pieces slightly pink.
4. 4
   Add the onion and mushrooms and simmer letting the juices flow while the beef finishes cooking.
5. 5
   Option: (I have occasionally added some low sodium beef broth with cornstarch at this stage but not always).
6. 6
   Distribute the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x12 pan.
7. 7
   With a spoon, evenly spread the creamed corn on the beef.
8. 8
   For the next layer, the string beans.
9. 9
   The top layer is the mashed potatoes.
10. 10
    Option: garnish the potatoes with small splotches of butter and a sprinkle of dried parsley or paprika.
11. 11
    The time and temp in the oven can vary based on oven type and the temp of the food as it is going inches.
12. 12
    Oven time is really all about reheating and browning as all the cooking is done prior to the dish making it into the oven.
13. 13
    So, with that said, if the hamburger has cooled substantially (or Ive prepared in advance and am pulling from the refrigerator) I bake on 375 covered with aluminum foil until hot in the center.
14. 14
    Then I remove the foil and broil on the middle rack until the potatoes start to form a film and the brown is to my liking.
15. 15
    If it is still really warm, because the timing was perfect with warm potatoes on top of hot beef mix.
16. 16
    I simply skip the baking step and go right for the broiler.