Easy Shepherd's Pie (or Cottage Pie)

It's that time of year when my cooking turns from garden fresh to comfort food.
When possible, I try to make comfort foods using the frozen vegetables from my summer garden.
But, lets keep it real...sometimes I buy a package of frozen mixed vegetables.

As the weather turns cooler, one of the things that I like to make is a delicious casserole.

Combine all the ingredients.
Put it in a baking dish.
Pop it in the oven and enjoy the aroma as it bakes.

Everyone can serve themselves and leftovers make great lunches for the next day.

My version of Shepherd's (Cottage) Pie is easy to whip up, but certainly doesn't skimp on taste.

Using frozen vegetables saves prep time, yet the flavor and nutrients are still there.
Some of my favorites to use in this casserole are green beans, corn, carrots, peas, and lima beans.
Make this your way by using your favorite vegetables in this dish.

Spreading the mashed taters on top is fun...like icing a cake.

After browning the ground beef, I make a gravy in the same skillet.
Click HERE to see how I make pan gravy.

My secret to mouth watering mashed potatoes is...

                          ...light sour cream

                                      ...sshhh, don't tell anyone ;-)

Sour cream gives it a delectable creaminess, but...
using light sour cream adds a little kick to the flavor.

Recipe for Easy Shepherd's Pie

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

1 pound ground beef

salt and pepper

1 cup beef gravy

2 - 3 cups frozen vegetables

2 - 3 cups mashed potatoes

Cook ground beef (and s & p) in a skillet until browned.

Drain grease, if needed.

Mix gravy and vegetables into the meat.

Spread the glorious mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Spread mashed potatoes over top.

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

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Did you know???

Shepherd's Pie gets its name from the type of meat used.

A true Shepherd's Pie uses lamb or sheep (mutton) meat.

{Think about it - Shepherds watch over lamb and sheep}

Using any other type of meat, like this one is technically called Cottage Pie.