Easy Shepherd's Pie

from Kraftfoods.com

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Prep Time:10 min

Total Time: 30 min

Makes: 6 servings

1 lb. ground beef

2 cups hot mashed potatoes

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1 cup beef gravy (see below)

PREHEAT oven to 375ºF. Brown meat in large skillet. Meanwhile, mix potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and the garlic until well blended.

DRAIN meat. Return to skillet; stir in vegetables and gravy. Spoon into 9-inch square baking dish; cover with potato mixture and remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.

NOTE: I doubled everything in the recipe except for the hamburger and there was plenty of the meat to go around, so only using 1/2 pound wouldn't be too detrimental.

Beef Gravy:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups beef broth, * see note
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

Melt butter in a saucepan then add flour. Blend together until no lumps are visible. Add salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5-10 minutes or until mixture starts to brown. Turn heat to low and slowly add broth, stirring constantly. Turn heat back up to medium and continue cooking and stirring until gravy boils and thickens. Adjust seasonings to taste.