Having a bunch of left over mashed potatoes instantly makes some people think of Shepherd's Pie. Shepherd's Pie, also known as Cottage Pie, is an English hot dish originally made from left over roast beef dishes. http://www.1001recipe.com/recipes/food/shepherds_pie/ This casserole can be made from a variety of meats and vegetables. Kid friendly and budget saving, Shepherd's Pie variations are found on many dinner tables. The versatile dish can be made with minimal meat for a low budget meal, or increased meat and several vegetables for a more filling dinner. Combinations are only limited by the ingredients available.This guide page provides instructions for how to make Shepherd's Pie.

1. Numerous variations exist to a standard beef and potato type Shepherds pie. Other ingredients include cream corn, tomatoes, and cabbage. http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalrecipes/shepherdspie.htm
2. Use Rutabaga or turnip to make Shepherd’s Pie Low Carb http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/477/Low-Carb-Shepherds-Pie83475.shtml
3. Skillet Shepherd’s Pie varies the cooking method but the ingredients are similar. http://www.grouprecipes.com/34651/skillet-shepherds-pie.html
4. Shepherds Pie can be made with cornmeal topping instead of mashed potatoes. http://southernfood.about.com/od/groundbeefpies/r/blbb212.htm
5. Consider making Shepherds Pie when one of the ingredients is left over from another meal. Thanksgiving leftover potatoes are great for making Shepherds Pie.
6. To cut the prep time for this hamburger casserole, consider browning meat when purchased and freezing until time of use.
7. Change the flavor of the pie by varying the vegetable or the soup mixed with the meat.http://www.dianaskitchen.com/page/ground/037shepherd.htm

• 1 Pound ground meat (hamburger, pork, turkey etc)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 to 3 cups left over mashed potatoes
• 1 can soup, gravy or broth
• 2 cups vegetables
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 9 X 13 baking dish

1. Brown the beef with the onion.
2. Drain the excess fat.
3. Mix soup or gravy with meat http://startcooking.com/blog/321/Shepherds-Pie
4. Bring to a boil.
5. If using broth, once mixture boils, thicken with flour http://www.cheftalk.com/forums/food-cooking-questions-discussion/52211-fat-flour-ratio-broth-liquids-thickening.html
6. Simmer until thick and heated throughout

If you do not have leftover mashed potatoes, you can choose to use instant potatoes, use frozen hash brownshttp://www.homefamily.net/index.php?/categories/foodnutrition/shepherds_hash_brown_pie/ or use the instructions for How to Make Mashed Potatoes to make a batch from scratch.

When deciding how to make Shepherds Pie, the vegetable choice should be matched to the sauce of the meat. Choosing a rotel tomato as your vegetable to go with a cream of chicken soup won’t be as tasty as using the rotel tomato with an enchilada sauce in the meat.

Try these vegetable combinations for variety in the Shepherds Pie

1. Ground Beef with thickened beef broth sauce and sliced onions for vegetables.
2. Ground Pork with a thickened pork stock and cabbage for the vegetable.
3. Ground beef with cream of mushroom soup and green beans.
4. Ground beef with tomato soup and corn.
5. Ground chicken with cream of chicken soup and corn and red peppers. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Shepherds-Pie/Detail.aspx

1. Once the above steps are complete, layer the meat mixture in the 9X13 dish.
2. Top with the vegetable.
3. Layer on the mashed potatoes making sure to seal to the edge of the dish.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Shepherd-s-Pie-2
5. Add cheese and return to oven until melted.
6. Package leftovers in individual dishes to be used for a cheap lunch