Shepherd’s Pie with “Squashed” Potatoes

Seasoned beef and vegetables are topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and squash.

Per serving: 462 calories, 14 g total fat (7.5 g saturated fat), 32 g protein, 58 g carbohydrate, 5.8 g fiber, 82 mg cholesterol, 538 mg sodium

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) extra-lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped yellow onions
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas-and-carrots blend
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 2/3 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili sauce (such as Heinz)
• 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 pounds (908 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 cups (about 1/2 lb / 250 g) peeled and chopped butternut squash
• 1/2 cup light (3% to 5 %) sour cream
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Dash nutmeg
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

1. To make filling, cook beef, onions, and garlic in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink and onions are tender. Stir in paprika and thyme. Cook 1 more minute. Add peas and carrots and corn. Mix well.
2. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together broth, chili sauce, flour and Worcestershire sauce. Add to meat mixture in pot, along with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Mixture will thicken slightly. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm while you prepare potato topping.

1. To make topping, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches (salt water if desired). Bring to a boil. Add squash. Cook until both potatoes and squash are tender, about 12 to 14 minutes. Drain potatoes and squash in a colander. Return to pot. Sprinkle ½ cup Parmesan over vegetables. Cover with lid and let stand 1 minute for cheese to melt. Add sour cream, salt and (tiny!) dash nutmeg. Mash well using a potato masher. Try to get out as many lumps as possible.
2. To assemble casserole, spread meat mixture evenly over the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with potato/squash mixture. Fluff with fork so small peaks are formed. Sprinkle remaining 2 tbsp Parmesan over potatoes. Bake at 375ºF for 25 minutes, until bubbly around edges and completely heated through. Remove from oven. Sprinkle top with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving (it’s hot!).
3. Tip: Cut potatoes and squash into equal-size pieces for even cooking.