Shepherds Pie

My new years resolution is to do a better job of remembering birthdays. I also decided to give my friends and family the gift of delicious home baked food this year. For my dad's birthday in January I offered to make his favorite meal and he didn't hesitate to say, "I want Mom's Shepherds Pie". Not only did we enjoy this hearty casserole, we enjoyed each other's company that night. Happy Birthday Dad!

*

2 lb. ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

salt & pepper

mashed potatoes (4-5 cups)

2 cans green beans, drained

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

cheddar cheese

*

Coat bottom of frying pan with olive oil, heat and add onion. Simmer until onion is soft then add ground beef and brown well. Salt and pepper meat to taste. Drain the meat and add the mushroom soup, stir well. Remove from heat. In a casserole dish layer the drained green beans, the mashed potatoes (I use real mashed potatoes, but you can use instant), then the meat mixture on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and return to oven for about 5-10 more minutes. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes. Scoop and serve.

*

**If you have leftover roast and mashed potatoes from Sunday dinner this casserole is a cinch! Just add the mushroom soup to chopped cooked roast, then layer the ingredients as listed above and bake as directed.