Warming Shepherd's Pie

Winter seems to be wanting to hang on a bit. This is a great meal to warm. It is also good on those cool spring nights. I use real mashed potatoes. If I am going to take the time to make a meal like this, I want the real thing.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups instant mashed potato buds (or use real mashed potatoes and make stiff)

1 2/3 cups milk

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon salt

1 pound ground beef

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 (12-ounce) jar beef gravy

1 (10-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step

Preheat broiler. Prepare 4 servings of mashed potatoes according to package directions using milk, butter and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt; set aside.

Cook ground beef in medium broiler proof skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to separate meat, until browned and crumbly. Drain skillet drippings.

Sprinkle ground beef with remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Add beef gravy and mixed vegetables to meat; stir well. Cook meat mixture over medium-low heat until hot, about 5 minutes.

Spoon the mashed potatoes in a ring around outside edge of skillet, leaving 3-inch circle in center. Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over mashed potatoes.

Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until Parmesan is golden, about 3 minutes.