Cottage Pie

I'm sure most of you have heard of Shepard's Pie, which is a pie with a potato crust.  Cottage pie is essentially the same thing, but this recipe puts the potatoes on top.  It's easy to make and the kids will eat it, which is always a bonus.

What you will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1 small onion (diced), one can or mushrooms or fresh (sliced), oregano, garlic powder, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper, one jar of Heinz savory gravy, 4 potatoes, margarine, milk, sour cream if you have it

Peel your potatoes and cut them into fourths.  Boil them until tender.  Meanwhile, brown the ground beef and onion together.  Drain off the grease and add the mushroom, bay leaves, oregano, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.  Cook for a few minutes longer; whatever feels right and then add the gravy.  Bring to a nice simmer and then take it down to a low simmer.  Drain your boiled potatoes in a strainer.  In the hot pan, place a couple tablespoons of margarine, milk, and a spoonful of sour cream if you got it.  Place the potatoes on top and use a masher to break them apart. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then use a hand mixer to whip them.

In a 8x8 buttered dish, place the beef mixture. Fish out the bay leaves and discard them.  Spread the mashed potatoes on top.  Dot the mashed potatoes with margarine.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350.

Dot the potatoes with butter

I served this with squash and steamed cauliflower.

Ready to serve.