Delicious Easy Shepherd'S Pie

• 4 cups mashed potatoes, made from instant mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 1/2 lbs ground chuck or 2 1/2 lbs ground sirloin, not too lean but not too fatty
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 (8 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen pearl onions
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Unwrap frozen peas & carrots and place box on paper towel in microwave oven, cook for 5 minutes to thaw and drain on the towel.
2. In nice sized pan over medium heat, add the oil to coat the pan.
3. Add meat, garlic, onions & bay leaves.
4. Season with a little Salt & Pepper.
5. When the meat is browned, sprinkle with flour and stir while cooking for 3-4 more minutes.
6. Stir in beef broth and cook for 2 minutes until mixture starts to thicken.
7. Add peas & carrots, parsley & tomatoes.
8. If needed you may want to cook down a little uncovered if it seems "too juicy".
9. Remove the bay leaves.
10. Spoon evenly in sprayed 9 x 13 pan and cover with mashed potatoes & dot with butter.
11. Bake 350F oven for 30 minutes or until potatoes are nice and golden.
12. **A TIP FOR LOWER FAT IS TO RINSE & DRAIN BROWNED MEAT WITH HOT-HOT WATER BEFORE ADDING BEEF STOCK**.

mashed potatoes, olive oil, ground chuck, garlic, bay leaves, flour, beef stock, tomatoes, carrots, frozen pearl onions, parsley

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/delicious-easy-shepherds-pie-212234 (may not work)