Shepherd's Pie

This is another recipe from the Pampered Chef's Main Dishes cookbook. It's a great way to pull together all your food groups for a quick, easy, and attractive looking recipe! -Claire

1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
1 jar (12 oz.) beef gravy
4 servings (about 2 cups) hot prepared instant mashed potatoes (plus ingredients to make potatoes)
2 ounces (1/2 cup) (or more) cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic, drain. Add seasonings.
Add vegetables and gravy to pan. Bring to a boil. Spoon into oval baker
Prepare potatoes according to package directions. Add half of cheese to potatoes.
Pipe potatoes around edges of mixture with decorator (or spoon and smooth if you are on a time crunch and not trying to impress anyone)
Bake 25-30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add remaining cheese over potatoes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.