Squash Tastic Shepherds Pie Recipes

SHEPHERD'S PIE IN A HALF-ROASTED SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large pan over medium heat, add oil and onion. Saute onion until soft, but not brown. Add ground lamb to pan and continue cooking for 12 minutes or until cooked through and browned. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate, small pan over medium low heat add 2 tablespoons butter and corn kernels. Cook for 3 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
• Cut butternut squash in half and place skin side down on a baking pan. Roast the butternut squash for approximately 40 minutes at 400 degrees F or until very soft. When finished, cool slightly and scoop out meat from the skin with a large spoon. In a bowl, mash the butternut squash and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper, place aside.
• Peel potatoes and place in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover potatoes by 1 inch. Put pot, covered over high heat and bring to a boil until a thin bladed knife or toothpick can be inserted easily, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash potatoes with 4 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 sour cream. Season with salt and pepper and put aside.
• Cut acorn squash in half the long way and remove seeds with a spoon. Cut a small piece off the back of the squash so it will lay flat on a baking sheet. Roast cut side up for 40 minutes at 400 degrees F until soft.
• To assemble, place equal amounts of corn in each acorn squash to form the first layer. To create the second and third layers, place a generous amount of ground lamb and butternut squash on top of the corn. Top with mashed potatoes using either a spoon or pastry bag and pipe. Place filled squash on baking sheet pan and roast in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F or until potatoes are browned. Serve hot with brown gravy.

SHEPHERD'S PIE WITH SQUASH AND POTATO TOPPING

Steps:

• prepare topping: cook squash and potatoes in boiling water until tender about 15 minutes.
• drain squash and potatoes; return to pot.
• Add milk, salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, nutmeg and red pepper. Mash with potato masher until fluffy. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Prepare filling: saute onion in oil in large skillet until softened, for about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic, saute 1 minute.
• Remove to plate.
• Crumble beef to skillet; cook until browned about 5 minutes.
• Stir in basil, oregano, cumin, salt, thyme, pepper, reserved onion mixture and flour.
• Add tomatoes and green beans.
• Bring to boiling.
• Lower heat; cover and cook 10 minutes.
• Spoon into 13 x 9 x 2 inch glass baking dish.
• Beat egg into squash and potato mixture. Spread over filling, making decorative swirls.
• Sprinkle with paprika if desired.
• Bake in 375 degree oven for 40 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
• Transfer baking dish to wire rack and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CAULIFLOWER & BEEF SHEPHERD'S PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Combine 2 tablespoons melted butter, syrup and pepper; toss with squash to coat. Roast squash in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan until tender, 40-45 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; mash until smooth, stirring in thyme., In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and stir beef, crumbling meat, until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; drain. Stir in soup mix and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Top evenly with cauliflower. Sprinkle with garlic; drizzle with remaining melted butter. Spread squash mixture over top. Bake, uncovered, until cauliflower is tender, 35-40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.