shepherd’s pie
This hearty dish is one of the very best meals for a chilly evening, upgraded with extra veggies. Less meat and more mushrooms result in a dish that’s lighter and more flavorful than the traditional version.
Yield 6 servings • Prep Time 10 minutes • Cook Time 45 minutes 
1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
2 ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
½ cup low-fat milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 lb 90% lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup vegetable, beef, or chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1. Place the potatoes in a 4½-quart Dutch oven and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 2 teaspoons salt, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl, add milk and 2 tablespoons butter, season with ½ teaspoon salt and mash until smooth. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Return the pot to the stove top over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until brown.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomato paste. Season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and cook for 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to become tender. Sprinkle with flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour in the broth and allow to thicken, 2 to 3 minutes more.
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the corn in a layer over the beef and then spread mashed potatoes over the top. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into small pieces and dot over the top of the potatoes. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
5. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
TIP Try using sweet potatoes or turnips for the topping in place of regular potatoes. You can also try any seasonal vegetable in the filling.
NUTRITION PER SERVING
Calories 459 • Total Fat 22g • Saturated Fat 11g • Cholesterol 104mg • Sodium 743mg • Total Carbohydrate 36g • Dietary Fiber 5.5g • Sugars 8g • Protein 30g