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

Step 1: 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

Step 2: 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.

Step 3:

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

Step 4:

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

Step 5:

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

Step 6:

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

Step 7:

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

Step 8:

Add tomato paste to meat mixture, mixing to combine.

Step 9:

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

Step 10:

Add beef broth and stir to combine.

Step 11:

Add the thyme, salt, and pepper

Step 12:

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

Step 13: Oven:

Pre-heat oven to 350° F.

Step 14:

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.

Step 15:

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

Step 16: 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.