BBQ Shepherd's Pie

A few months ago, I tried out a recipe for an unconventional Shepherd's pie from a local barbeque joint that I love.  Instead of traditional mashed potatoes, the recipe substituted a layer of macaroni and cheese.

I was smitten.

Except for one thing.

I didn't really like the recipe.

I mean, it was more than edible.  We ate it up.  But the barbeque flavor I was looking for wasn't there.  In fact, I kind of thought that the overall flavor was missing.  I like my food to punch me in the face with flavor.  I'd rather be overwhelmed than underwhelmed.

So, I adapted the concept of this Shepherd's pie by substituting my own recipes for face-punching meatloaf and equally face-punching mac & cheese.

The result is a knuckle-bruiser of a Shepherd's pie that will leave you speechless!



BBQ Shepherd's Pie

Macaroni & Cheese Layer:
1/2 lb. macaroni, cooked and strained
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup white onion, diced
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp paprika


Meatloaf Layer:

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 red onion, minced

1/2 red bell pepper, minced

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp olive oil

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1/4 cup Worchestershire sauce

2 tsp BBQ seasoning

1 egg

3/4 cup Kansas City Barbeque Sauce, divided

Salt & Pepper to taste

Topping:
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs


Preheat oven 350F.

For the macaroni, combine butter and flour in a saucepan over medium heat to create a roux.  Add milk and stir consistently to allow the mixture to thicken.  Add the cheese in portions.  Let melt until the mixture becomes smooth.  Stir in the onions, mustard and paprika.  Remove from heat and mix with the macaroni.

In a skillet over medium heat, saute onions, peppers, and garlic in BBQ seasoning for 5 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl and combine the rest of the ingredients except for 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce.

Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 8x8 pan.  Top with the remaining BBQ sauce.  Pour the macaroni and cheese over the top and smooth out.  Sprinkle panko crumbs over the top.

Bake 40 minutes.