Hamburger Pie

This dish has the name "pie", not because it's even remotely related to actual pie but because it's similar to Shepherd's Pie (which, to be authentic, would have to be made with lamb).  This is a pretty fast and easy meal that my family really likes.  It can be changed to use whatever veggies you happen to have on hand - we've had it with many different vegetable combinations and liked it every time.

Hamburger Pie


1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 diced bell pepper (I had an orange bell pepper on hand when I made the hamburger pie pictured)
1 16-oz can green beans, drained
1 8-oz can tomato sauce (can also use 1 can condensed tomato soup)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
milk
butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Cook the ground beef, onion and pepper until the meat is done.  Stir in the beans, tomato sauce, salt and pepper.  Spoon the meat mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
• While the meat is cooking, boil the potatoes until tender.  Mash them while hot; adding enough milk to make them fluffy and butter and salt and pepper to taste. (You can also use instant potatoes, but they're just not as good).
• Drop potatoes on top of the meat mixture.  Sprinkle with the cheese.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.