By Linda Gassenheimer
From Tribune News Service

Around this time of year with St. Patty’s Day coming up, shepherd’s pie comes to mind. The pie has a savory meat filling topped with mashed potatoes and cheese. It’s usually made with lamb or ground lamb, but it is also made with ground beef and then called cottage pie. There’s always a discussion whether the pies are Irish or English. The answer is both. Either way, enjoy this quick dinner.

I used 95 percent lean ground beef. If you prefer lamb, ask the butcher for lamb cubes cut from the leg and cut these into half-inch cubes.

To shorten making the mashed potato topping, I cook the potatoes in the microwave and mash them in a food processor. It saves time and an extra pot to wash. If you don’t have access to a microwave, add the potatoes to a saucepan of cold water, cover with a lid, and boil 10 to 15 minutes, until they are soft.

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Shopping List

To buy: 3/4 pound 95% lean ground beef, 3/4 pound russet or Idaho potatoes, 1 package frozen diced or chopped onion, 1 container reduced-sodium chicken broth, 1 jar minced garlic, 1 small can tomato paste, 1 bottle Worcestershire sauce, 1 package shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Staples: olive oil, flour, salt and black peppercorns.

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

Ingredients

Preheat broiler. Wash potatoes; do not peel. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add water and cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap. Microwave on high 5 minutes. Remove from microwave. Let sit without removing the cover while preparing remaining ingredients. Mash the potatoes in a food processor or with a potato ricer or sieve. Mix with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Heat an 8- or 9-inch skillet that can go from stovetop to broiler, over medium high heat. Add the onion and 1 tablespoon chicken broth. Saute until the onions are soft and golden, 5 minutes. Add more chicken broth if pan becomes dry. Add the garlic and ground beef. Break up beef with the edge of a spoon and saute 1 minute.

Sprinkle flour over top and add the remaining chicken broth, tomato paste and rosemary. Mix well. Simmer 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Add Worcestershire and salt and pepper to taste. Taste for seasoning adding more Worcestershire if needed. Spread mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with cheese. Place under the heated broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 602 calories (26% from fat), 17.1 g fat (5.6 g saturated, 7.1 g monounsaturated), 111 mg cholesterol, 48.6 g protein, 65.1 g carbohydrates, 8.4 g fiber, 487 mg sodium.

Linda Gassenheimer is the author of over 30 cookbooks, including her newest, “The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook.” Listen to Linda on www.WDNA.org and all major podcast sites. Email her at Linda@DinnerInMinutes.com. Copyright 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC