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!

Step 1: Ingredients

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

Step 2: Get Potatoes Started

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.

Step 3: Saute Onion and Garlic

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

Step 4: Prepare Meat

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

Step 5: Prepare Vegetables

Dice and chop your veggies.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

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

Step 7: Prepare Mashed Potatoes

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.

Step 8: Add Potato Frosting

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.

Step 9: Top With Cheese & Chili Powder

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.