Quick and Easy Skillet Shepherds Pie

Not one of Nana's recipes thats for sure, but it a quick alternative to the original Irish Shepherds Pie recipe I have. This is ready in 20 minutes and therefore makes a great meal for any day! I like to post some recipes that are not all time consuming since so many of us are working, doing homework with the kiddies, acting like chauffers and being "soccer mom's". Sometimes there is just not enough time to spend hours in the kitchen.

I will definitely be posting Nana's recipes, (not the top secret ones tho..hehe) but for now, here's one for the busy busy mom's! Again the original recipe (found in a Woman's Day Article about three years back) is posted, along with any changes I make in "".


Ingredients:

o 1 lb lean ground beef
o 1 medium onion, chopped
o 2 cloves garlic, minced
o 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
o 1⁄4 tsp pepper
o 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (I use previously steamed in bag or steamed fresh veggies)
o 1 can (14 1⁄2 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
o 1 jar (12 oz) Bistro Au Jus gravy (Heinz)
o 1 container (2 lb) refrigerated mashed potatoes (I prefer using homemade)
o 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan

Recipe Preparation

1. Heat broiler. Heat ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, thyme and pepper; cook, breaking up meat, 5 minutes or until browned. Stir in vegetables, tomatoes and gravy; simmer, covered, 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat potatoes in microwave as package directs. Drop spoonfuls of potatoes on top of beef mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan. Place under broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until topping is browned.