"elaine" wrote in message

> I love shepherd's pie although when I make it, it never quite turns out
> the same as I remember from growing up. The recipe is very simple
>
> hamburger
> onions
> peas
> mushrooms if I have them
> mashed potatoes
> Cook in oven for 1 hour
>
> So I brown the hamburger, drain the grease, add the onions - make a
gravy
> and let cook for a while then add the peas/mushrooms. I think it's my
gravy
> that really sucks. Since I don't always have home prepared beef stock, I
> usually add an oxo cube and flour, but there is not a lot of flavour.
I've
> also used canned beef stock with the same tasteless results - and quite
> salty. Am I missing an ingredient to make the gravy more interesting.
>
> I'm making this tonight, so any suggestions or improvements welcome.
> Elaine
>
Perhaps some tomato paste in your gravy? Here in the US, tomato paste comes
in a small can and is very condensed. Are you adding salt and pepper and
any other seasonings?

Dora