The Messy Cook: World's Easiest (and Maybe Cheesiest) Shepherd's Pie

So that's a lie. It's probably not the cheesiest, but it's for sure the easiest.

Also, I've been informed that it's only shepherd's pie if it's made from lamb, and what I made was "cottage pie". But fuck the police. I do what I want. And I want to call it Shepherd's pie. So there.

I classify this recipe under the "from scratch" category with an emphasis on the quotation marks. This is the biggest cheater meal I have ever created. And to every non-cook out there, you're welcome.

Sorry for the poor quality Instagram picture. I was not prepared to blog about this.

This recipe takes 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. Feeds 6 people (or you can eat 5 servings yourself like I did.)

All you will need for this delicacy is:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 2 cups INSTANT Garlic Mashed Potatoes (You can make them from scratch if you're dedicated)
• 60 gram brick of Cream Cheese (It pisses me off that this switches to metric too. Don't ask why)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 4 cups Mixed Vegetables (canned or frozen. I used canned.)
• 1 cup Beef Gravy (I got this out of a jar. You can also buy the packets and make it that way.)

Directions:

1. Pre-make instant potatoes (and the gravy if you bought the packet).
2. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
3. Brown meat in large skillet and drain
4. Mix potatoes, cream cheese, and 1/2 cup shredded cheese until well blended.
5. Combine meat, vegetables, and gravy. 
6. Spoon into 9-inch square baking dish.
7. Cover with potato mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

That's all it takes. 

Boyfriend wants me to include a segment in which I show how messy I leave his kitchen after I make things (hey, there's no room for cleanliness AND creativity.), but due to lack of photos of this adventure, I'll have to refer you to the one above where you can only see a smidgen of my mess.

Enjoy.