INGREDIENTS

• about 4-5 potatoes, depending on size peeled and quartered
• 8 Tablespoons (1 stick) butter (4 if doing layered version; see below)
• About 1/4 cup cream or milk (for mashed potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1-2 cups vegetables—diced carrots, corn, peas, green beans (any single, any mix; make to your family’s preference)
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, pepper, other seasonings

Boil the potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in medium sized pot. Cover with at least an inch of cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 20 minutes.

If you want to do layered version, prepare vegetables as directed and set aside

Cook meat in frying pan until no longer pink. Add seasonings, broth and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until reduced.

Then layer vegetables, meat and top off with mashed potatoes

For mixed version –

Cook meat, drain fat, add finely diced onions and carrots, cook till veggies are soft. Add seasonings, Worcestershire sauce and broth. Cook until reduced.

Mash the cooked potatoes: When the potatoes are done cooking (a fork can easily pierce), add 4 Tbsp of butter and some cream or milk (slowly until desired consistency). Mash with potato masher, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Layer the meat mixture and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the beef, onions, and vegetables (if using) in an even layer in a large baking dish (9×13 casserole; although I like using my smaller square one, making it deeper rather than shallow).

Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the ground beef. Rough up the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork so there are peaks that will get well browned. You can even use a fork to make creative designs in the mashed potatoes.

Bake in oven: Place in a 400°F oven and cook until browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. If necessary, broil for the last few minutes to help the surface of the mashed potatoes brown.

Suggested variations:

Put a layer of creamed corn between the ground beef and the mashed potatoes.

Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes before baking.

We love corn 

We really do like all vegetables, but when kids are little I adjust to preferences.