Easy Shepherd's Pie

This is a delicious comfort food on a blustery cold day, like today; windy and 53 degrees.

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 bag (19 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables

¼ cup tomato paste

1 can (14.5 oz.) Hunts diced tomatoes

1/3 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground pepper

½ cup beef broth

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, opt.

¼ cup water, opt.

4 cups mashed potatoes

Potatoes:

Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for shepherd's pie. But if you don't have left overs, make a new batch.

Note: I used Russet: potatoes, high in starch, they are ideal for making mashed potatoes, as well as frying or roasting potatoes.

In a medium skillet, over medium heat, cook the gr. beef until it is no longer pink.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter, then chopped onions. Cook onions 3 minutes.

Add the garlic and stir to combine. cook another minute, making sure not to brown the garlic, as it'll turn bitter.

Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooked onions with garlic to add to mashed potatoes.

Add the ground beef to the large skillet with onions and garlic and stir to combine. Cook another 3 minutes.

Add tomato paste to meat mixture, mixing to combine.

Add the can of diced tomatoes, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine.

Add beef broth and stir to combine.

Add the thyme, salt, and pepper

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.

Oven:

Pre-heat oven to 350° F.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter and the pkg. mixed vegetable. Cook over medium heat until vegetable s are bright and crisp.Stir constantly for even cooking.

Add the to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Stir frequently until the sauce comes to a boil; cook 1 minute.

Optional:

To thicken meat veggie sauce: whisk together the flour with cold water. Add to mixture to beef mixture. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.