Traditional Cottage or Shepard's Pie

Preheat: 350°F Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min
Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb. lean ground beef (Cottage Pie) or lamb (Shepherd's Pie)
   
2. 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
   
3. 2 carrots, diced
   
4. 2 lbs (4 c) diced mixed vegetables, such as: corn, green beans, onion, & peas
5. 2 lbs potatoes, peeled & chopped for boiling
6. 1/2 c beef broth (I suggest low sodium)
   
7. 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
8. 2 Tbs flour
   
9. 1 1/2 lbs grated cheese
10. 1 Tbs cooking oil
11. To taste: salt, pepper, & other seasonings such as: rosemary or thyme

Optional Ingredients for a Modern Pie

1. 1-2 Tbs Tomato Paste added to vegetable mixture
2. 3 Tbs Butter & 1c Heavy Cream for richer mashed potatoes
3. Other vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, or mushrooms

Directions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, about 20 min.
2. Fry ground meat until cooked thoroughly, drain. Add garlic, broth, & Worcestershire Sauce.
   
3. Add diced carrots & oil to meat mixture & sauté over low. Remove from heat when carrots become tender.
4. Mix in remaining diced vegetables, salt & pepper.
   
5. Mash potatoes & add seasonings.
6. Layer meat mixture in baking dish followed by mashed potatoes and topped with cheese.
   
7. Bake.