Zippy Shepherd's Pie

I found this on www.allrecipes.com, and it totally hit the spot for dinner together on Saturday night. It was warm and filling, and even included vegetables! It's naturally gluten free, and can be modified with any number of vegetables you would like. I even got to add in some homegrown tomatoes from my garden. As I peeked out my back door to get them off the vine, the snow was gently drifting down onto the wet grass. Definitely an occasion for a meal like this!

Zippy Shepherd's Pie

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth (I used chicken)
  
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (I used BullsEye BBQ sauce, and a touch of Hunt's Garlic and Herb pasta sauce, since I don't think the ketchup in my fridge is gluten free)
  
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed peas and carrots (I used one can of mixed veggies. I'm not a canned veggie fan, but I was in a pinch)
  
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add potatoes, and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain, and return to pan.
2. While potatoes are boiling, heat oil in a large skillet. Cook ground beef with onion, red pepper, and garlic until beef is evenly brown. Stir in beef broth, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder. Bring to a boil, and simmer 3 to 4 minutes. Mix cornstarch with a little water to form a paste, then stir into skillet with tomatoes, peas and carrots. Cook until thickened; season with salt and pepper. Spoon into a casserole dish.
3. Preheat oven on broiler setting. Add milk and butter to cooked potatoes, and whip until smooth and creamy. Spoon over meat mixture. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese.
4. Place under broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and speckled with brown.

This was so delightfully warm. The potatoes added a little garlicky creaminess, and the broiled cheese on top was so good.

This woman cooks like I do - fast and furious, with a variety of strong spices. I hope you like it flavorful!