Ok - Let me say up front that I know that SOMEONE is going to point out that this is technically "Cottage Pie" and not "Shepherds Pie". But I grew up and live in the United States and lamb isn't as big a deal here as (apparently) it is in the United Kingdom. If you ask most Americans what meat is in Shepherds Pie, they will likely say "beef". That is what it has always been called here!

Now that is out of the way - to my UK readers - we good?

Anyway - this Shepherds Pie recipe is another one of those comfort foods that is always a big hit in my house. Matter of fact, my family seems to like any recipe that starts with making a roux (like my Sausage & Biscuit Gravy recipe). I think that they just really like anything creamy and meaty and I think that they like this almost as much as my mini meatloaves with mashed potato topping.

This really does cook up quickly and then just needs about 25 minutes in the oven for the mashed potatoes to get that really good crust on them. You can use your favorite mashed potatoes recipe for the topping or, if you are in a hurry, just use instant potatoes. Like I said before, I am generally not a fan of instant mashed potatoes, but they can often come in handy when you are in a rush!

To make it, you will need:

• 1 ½ lb ground beef
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (use your favorite or, in a pinch, prepared instant mashed potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or more to taste)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 12 oz pkg frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Making it is easy!

Heat the oil in a skillet and cook the ground beef, onion and garlic until the beef if browned. Drain and set aside. (you might also want to use a paper towel to remove any excess grease from the pan)

Add butter to the skillet and melt. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Cook for about 2 minutes. Whisking constantly (to avoid lumps), slowly add the milk and  Worcestershire Sauce and cook for another few minutes or until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken. Remove from the heat.

Stir in beef mixture and peas and carrots and spoon mixture in to a 9" x 13" casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes (you can even make them look pretty by using an icing bag with a large star tip!).

Bake in a preheated 350 F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve and enjoy!

Scroll down for the complete directions!