Skillet Cottage Pie

The first question people ask when I tell them I make a mean cottage pie is... "Do you mean Shepherd's pie?" So, I want to clear this up! For some reason I've noticed that we interchange these two words, but there actually is a difference! Cottage pie is most often made with ground beef. Shepherd's pie, on the other hand, contains lamb.

This cottage pie is a super easy weeknight meal that is comforting and delicious. I really enjoy my cottage pie most when it's made in a big cast-iron skillet, but a glass baking pan works well! Using chopped, fresh veggies is awesome, but if you're on a time crunch the organic frozen veg medley is a good substitute.

I N G R E D I E N T S

Meat Mixture

-1 lb ground beef

-1/2 large white onion, chopped

-1 clove garlic, minced

-3 tbs tomato paste

-1/4 cup dry red wine

-1 cup broth (beef or chicken)

-1 1/2 cup veggies

-1 tsp dried oregano

-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

-1 tsp salt

-1/2 tsp pepper

-1 tbsp olive oil

Mashed Potatoes

-4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

-1/2 cup sour cream

-1/2 cup milk

-salt and pepper to taste

-3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese to top

R E C I P E

O N E – Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

T W O – In a large pot, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water and allow them to cook for 15 minutes.

T H R E E – In your skillet, heat up the olive oil and add in the onion and garlic until fragrant.

F O U R – Add in the veggies, salt, pepper and spices.

F I V E -- Next, toss in the ground beef and coof until the meat is browned.

S I X -- Stir in the tomato paste, broth, and red wine. Allow the flavors to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes before removing from the heat. (If you are adding fresh veg it depends on what kind you use as to how long to cook until tender.)

S E V E N – While you wait on the meat mixture, strain the potatoes before adding in the sour cream, milk, salt and pepper to that pot.

E I G H T – Using a hand mixer on medium-speed or a potato masher, mix until the potatoes are creamy.

N I N E - Spread the meat mixture evenly on the skillet. Scoop the potatoes on top and spread using a spatula. Then sprinkle on a layer of cheese.

T E N - Bake for 10 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted. ENJOY!