Easy Shepherd's Pie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste.
02 - 3 large potatoes (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), peeled and quartered.
03 - 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided.
04 - 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups).
05 - 1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as diced carrots, corn, or peas.
06 - 1 1/2 pounds ground round beef.
07 - 1/2 cup beef broth.
08 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
09 - Pepper and/or other seasonings of choice.

# Instructions:

01 - Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a medium-sized pot. Cover with at least an inch of cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 20 minutes).
02 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
03 - While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauté pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until tender, about 6 to 10 minutes.
04 - If you are including carrots, add them along with the onions as they take longer to cook. Peas and corn can be added later as they require less cooking time.
05 - Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and vegetables. Cook until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
07 - Once the potatoes are tender (a fork can easily pierce them), remove them from the pot. Place them in a bowl with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Mash until smooth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly in a large baking dish, such as a 9 x 13-inch casserole. Top with the mashed potatoes, using a fork to create peaks on the surface that will brown nicely.
09 - Place in the oven and bake until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 30 minutes. If desired, broil for the last few minutes to enhance browning. Use caution with glass dishes under the broiler, as high heat can cause them to shatter.

# Notes:

01 - For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, particularly the Worcestershire sauce, are labeled gluten-free.
02 - This dish can easily be made vegetarian by substituting ground beef with a meatless alternative.
03 - Use ceramic or metal casserole dishes for broiling to avoid the risk of breaking glass dishes.

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