Shepard's Pie

One of Nicholas' favorites

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1 envelope brown gravy mix
1 box frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, etc)
4 medium potatoes
milk
butter
salt and pepper
1 cup shredded American or Cheddar cheese   (or whatever you have)

Wash and peel potatoes and cook in salted water until tender.  Drain and prepare as if you were making mashed potatoes (milk, butter, salt and pepper)

In dutch oven or large skillet, fry the beef until brown (not gray, but brown), stirring often.  When almost browned, add chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent.  Add the box of mixed vegetables.  Add brown gravy mix and 1 and 1/2 cups of water.  Cover and simmer until hot and bubbly.

Turn the meat mixture into a buttered casserole dish.  Top with spoons of mashed potatoes.  Top with shredded Cheese and bake approximately 15 minutes at 375 degrees  or until the cheese and potatoes are Golden Brown.  Enjoy.  Serve with a nice tossed salad on the side for a complete meal!

When I am in a hurry, (which is always) I just spoon the potatoes on the casserole. If I am taking this dish to a pot luck, or using it for Sunday Dinner, I use a piping bag with an extra large tip!.  Looks fabulous!

Serves 4 Adults with plenty of left overs for lunches the next day!