Shepherd's Pie

A big hit around these parts. Good for potlucks, too.

Ingredients

• 1/8 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp crushed thyme
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 1/2 pounds cubed, cooked stew meat
• 1 16 oz. package frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Get out your dutch oven saucepan and melt the butter in it. Stir in flour, thyme, and pepper to make a roux. Add broth and milk all at once and cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in meat, vegetables, and onion. Transfer to 3-quart casserole and spoon mashed potatoes around the edges, leaving a pretty hole in the center.
3. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with cheese, and stick it back in until cheese melts and potatoes are browned.