Simple Cottage Pie

Filling:

1/2 lb 93/7 ground beef

1/2 lb 80/20 ground beef

1 onion, diced

 2+ tsp dried parsley leaves
1+ tsp dried rosemary leaves
1+ tsp dried thyme leaves
salt to taste (about 1 tsp)

2+ tsp Worcestershire sauce

2+ tsp garlic powder

2+ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp flower or corn starch (optional)

1 C beef broth or 1C water and appropriate amount of beef bouillon

2 lb bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots, and green beans)

 

Topping:

3 C potato flakes

4 C milk or water

2+ tsp dried parsley leaves

salt to taste (about 1 tsp)

1 tsp black pepper  

2 Tbsp butter

In a 12" high-sided cast iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet, brown the beef and onion.  Once the beef is browned, add the rest of the filling ingredients apart from the mixed vegetables and bring to a simmer.  Then add the mixed vegetables, stir and heat until the vegetables are heated.  Once the vegetables are hot, remove from the heat, preheat the oven to 400 F, and make the topping.  To make the topping add the topping ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl, microwave for 2.5 minutes, after which stir.  Using a fork, spread the topping over the filling, leaving a ridged surface.  Then bake for 30 minutes.