Shepherd's Pie

This recipe is based on http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Shepherds-Pie-VI/Detail.aspx, but follows the alterations made by "Erin0220" in the comments.

DH and I both really like this. It is a good meal to take to a neighbor too, since it's a one dish meal.

• 4 large potatoes, peeled (or not peeled) and cut into fourths (i.e. one potato becomes 4 large chunks)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• milk
• 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or less, or completely omit)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 5 carrots, chopped (or 3 carrots plus some green beans)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef (works well with 1/2 lb too, even without lamb)
• 1/2 pound ground lamb (optional, but awesome)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (or 2?)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, and some milk. The amount of milk depends on the consistency you want. I like it creamy so it can be spread easily. As it cools, you'll need to add more milk to maintain the creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
2. Steam carrots and green beans, or saute until cooked. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)
3. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef/lamb and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, water, and gravy mix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Next, spread a layer of carrots/green beans. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.