Cottage Pie: ground beef and veggies under a blanket of mashed potatoes

This is a comforting meat and potatoes meal.  For optimal flavor, use all-natural local and organic ingredients.

Make-ahead tip: You can freeze portions of this and reheat them later for a quick dinner when time is short :)

Ingredients:

For the cottage pie:

1	tablespoon	oil
1	medium	onion, chopped
2	cloves	garlic, chopped
1 or 2	pounds	ground beef
3	cups	frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots and peas)

Mashed potatoes, Gravy, Cheese

For the mashed potatoes:

1/2	teaspoon	salt
4	large	potatoes
4	tablespoons	heavy cream (or milk)

For the gravy:

2	tablespoons	flour
2	tablespoons	butter
3	cups	beef or chicken broth

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Strategy:

Save some time: make the mashed potatoes and gravy while the meat cooks.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Heat the oil in a pan, then add the onion and garlic.  Cook until the garlic is browned and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up into small pieces using your spatula or  wooden spoon.  Once the meat is almost done, drain the fat out of the pan and add the mixed veggies.  Cook until the veggies are done.

Mashed Potatoes:

1. Wash the potatoes, then place them in a pot with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and enough water to completely submerge them.  Cook the potatoes until you can easily pierce them with a fork.  
2. Drain the water from the pot.  If you’d like to, remove the potato skins.
3. Add the cream or milk and mash the potatoes with a fork or a masher.

Gravy:

1. To make the gravy, melt the butter in a pan and then add the flour.  Stir them until they resemble a clumpy dough.  Transfer this mixture to a heat-safe bowl.  
2. Boil the broth, then add enough of it to your butter and flour mixture to make a smooth paste.  Add this paste to the remaining broth in the pan.
3. Stir until the paste dissolves.  Let the gravy simmer over low heat until it thickens.
4. Add half of the gravy to the meat and veggies and add the other half to the mashed potatoes.  Stir well.

Assemble the cottage pie:

1. Pour your meat and veggie mixture into a deep baking dish or casserole pan.
2. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat and veggies.
3. Top the potatoes with a sprinkling of cheese.  I like to use shredded cheddar or grated parmesan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F until the cheese melts.