Curried Shepherd's Pie

Sometimes my favorite meals are the simple ones...I don't feel like as much of a 'real cook' when I make these meals, but...when I eat them...oh. my. word. YUM!!
 So, this recipe is stolen from a friend from church, but I know she'd be thrilled if she knew we were publishing it for the world to see...So, Karyn. You're welcome. And people: please try this.  You won't regret it. I promise. And the nice thing is, the ingredients are things you probably always have on hand, if you're like me.


Curried Shepherd's Pie
Potatoes, pared and cooked (probably about 6 medium potatoes)
3 to 4 tablespoons butter
1 pound or so of lean ground beef...more or less depending on many you want to serve
1 large sweet onion, chopped...or 3 small ones
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon salt (I don't usually cook with salt, 'cause I have a 2 year old; I just add it to my own plate)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
28 oz can of diced tomatoes
250-g pkg cream cheese...if you have it - if you don't, no big deal.

Cook enough potatoes for the size of your casserole dish. I like a deep dish that is fairly large because leftovers are even yummier than first day servings.


Meanwhile, cook lean ground beef with a small amount of butter until browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside. Add a tablespoon of butter and onion, ginger and garlic. Sprinkle with curry. Saute over low heat until onions are soft. Stir in salt, cayenne and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Return beef along with any juices that collected. Simmer for a few minutes, then pour into your greased casserole dish.


Your potatoes should be cooked by now. Drain them and whip them with the cream cheese that has been cut into chunks and 2-3 tablespoons of butter and same amount of milk (or cream, however you like your whipped potatoes.)  Spoon over beef-tomato mixture...and smooth out a bit. Cover with shredded cheddar cheese and cook uncovered in a preheated oven at 350F for 30 minutes. And...you're done!! That's it. Pretty easy. And tasty. And just a little change from the regular Shepherd's Pie. Which I also happen to love.


No picture right now, 'cause I made it last week and forgot to take a picture of it. *gasp*, but...next time I make it - I'll add a picture. Don't worry. Try this. Really. ~Kristi