Backpack Shepard's Pie - Recipe

Instant Shepard's Pie Recipe

Here is another simple, instant potato-based, recipe.  This one's for Shepard's Pie, or a reasonable facsimile.

Most of my backpacking long-trip dinners are comprised of some combination of Knoor Sides, Ramen, or Idahoan Potatoes. This one is an easy two or three ingredient meal for one or two people.  In general, I feel that a packet of Idahoan Potatoes is good for two servings; but after a long day of hiking, I can typically polish off an entire packet.  It's easy to split the packet of potatoes into two days worth of meals; but when you are adding a meat as protein, the meat doesn't usually keep long after opening, so consider that in your meal planning.

The ingredients include:

• 1 - 4.1 oz. packet Idahoan Potatoes (Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Baby Reds)
• 1 - 6 oz. packet of Libby's Spicy Seasoned Beef Crumbles (or similar)
• 2 cups water
• Optional - freeze dried peas, carrots, and onion soup mix

Just bring 2 cups of water to a boil, with veggies added if you have them.  Add meat and bring back to boil (to warm the meat without cooling water).  Then remove from heat and add the potatoes and stir.

Idahoan potatoes, no matter what flavor, are always good; and adding some veggies makes it a little more true to Shepard's pie.  The real important thing for this recipe though is getting the right beef crumbles.  Some beef packets just aren't that good, or are too salty; and using a soy-based meat replacement probably won't cut it (although I might be willing to try the Fantastic Foods meat-less taco filling, which has surprised me in many recipes).  The Libby's beef crumbles are pretty spicy, which might not be typical for a Shepard's pie, but given the limited ingredients it really picks up the flavor of the meal.

Give this one a try on your next trip.