Weeknight Shepherd's Pie

This is a big hit in our house right now! I like it because it's fast and easy, the kids like it because it's all the "good things" mixed up. BB likes it because it has gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (can use 2 C cooked stew meat if you like, the ground beef makes it fast!)
• 1 C frozen mixed veggies, thawed
• 1 tsp dried thyme (I used fresh last summer, and it was too strong, even cut way back!)
• 1/4 C half-and-half (I use whatever milk is on hand)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 C mashed potatoes (great way to use up leftovers, or a reason to keep instant around)
• 1/4 C chopped parsley (I use dried, because I'm too impatient to chop fresh)
• 2 TBSP butter, melted
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 C hot prepared beef gravy

Directions:

• Preheat over to 400 degrees F
• Grease a medium casserole or deep quiche dish
• Brown and drain ground beef, or cut stew beef into bite-sized pieces and place in casserole
• Top with veggies and thyme
• Mix half-and-half with salt, pepper, egg, and mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with parsley and mix.
• Spread potato mixture over beef, drizzle butter over potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake until filling is hot and top is browned, about 20 minutes.
• Top each serving with gravy.

It is, in fact, what's for dinner tonight!