Mexican Shepherd's Pie

Ready, Set, Cook! Special Edition Contest Entry. Shepherd's Pie with a Mexican flair

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 2 qt casserole

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  medium onion, diced
• 1⁄2 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2  teaspoons  minced garlic
• 2  medium fresh carrots, diced
• 1⁄2 cup  frozen peas
• 2  ounces  canned jalapeno slices, chopped
• 1  tablespoon canola oil
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 cup  taco seasoning
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1 (24 ounce) package  Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded cheddar cheese or 1⁄2 cup  Mexican blend cheese
• 2  tablespoons fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Saute onion, carrots, peppers until soft, add garlic and jalapenos a minute or 2 before other veggies done.
3. Add ground beef and Worcestershire sauce. Brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
4. Add flour, stir constantly until thoroughly cooked, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Add taco seasoning and water, stir, bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer 5 minute Stir occasionally.
6. Prepare mashed potatoes per package instructions.
7. Spread meat and veggie mixture evenly into a 2 quart casserole. Mix in peas and cilantro. Sprinkle some of cheese on meat mix.
8. Cover with prepared mashed potatoes.
9. Top with remainder of cheese.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.