Makers Pie: Shepherd's Pie for the Busy Maker

This is a Shepherd's Pie recipe, but since we're not shepherds, we've decided to rechristen it "Maker's Pie. It feels more authentic. I always feel like a fraud eating Shepherd's Pie.

At any rate, this is a simple and delicious meat, veggies and potatoes pie, a one dish dinner good during the summer or winter.

Enjoy!

You'll need:

1 lb. of lean ground beef

Potatoes for mashing (See Nom Nom Mashed Potatoes, or use a mashed potato mix - your pick)

Veggies of choice - we do broccoli, corn, carrots , but peas and/or limas are also good

Onion - 1/2 cup diced

Garlic- 1-2 cloves minced

Worcestershire sauce

Chili powder

Italian Seasoning

Salt and Pepper

If you're making up your own mashed potatoes, get those started first, and let your potatoes boil while you're fixing up your meat.

In about a tablespoon of olive oil, saute your onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant.

Add your meat, add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings, and brown thoroughly, stirring to a fine texture as you go.

Dice and chop your veggies.

Mix in your veggies and put your entire meat and vegetable mix into a 9x9" baking dish.

Mash 'em up, or Mix 'em up! (See Nom Nom Mashed Potatoes for the DIY version). Shorthand version: Mostly (but not completely) drain potatoes, add 1/3 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk - poured in quarter cup portions - and mash.

When you've got a nice creamy texture to your potatoes (or a lumpy one, if you prefer that) layer over your meat, spreading evenly.

We have some dairy sensitive folks at the table, so we do cheese on one side, but it's a yummy topping layer. Sprinkle chili powder over the whole thing.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, then broil for 5-8 minutes, until you've got a nice lightly browned topping.

This is just a wonderful comfort dish! Toss in some Sriracha hot sauce, and it's a totally happy party on your plate!

Enjoy!