Husband approved meal {Shepherd's Pie}

It has been 2 months since I posted a recipe, which gives you an idea of just how much cooking has been going on around here these days. I've cooked here and there, but lately I'd rather be lying on the couch reading a book about babies or doing a nursery project than spend my time on my feet sweating in the kitchen. #sorryhusband
 
Well I learned the other day that one of my husband's favorite meals is one I had never ever cooked him and I started feeling guilty. The night before my husband's first day back at school I decided to make it up to him and finally make him Shepherd's pie. I turned to PW for help because I thought surely she'd have a wonderful Shepherd's pie, but I couldn't find one so I turned to Paula Deen's and friends she did not let me down.

My mom never made Shepherd's Pie growing up so I didn't know what to look for in a recipe, but I just assumed Paula Deen would know. So here's her recipe and let me just say that this Shepherd's pie is husband approved and now in my meal planning binder to be made again.

Ingredients:
1 small onion chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables (I used frozen vegetables that I thawed in the refrigerator beforehand)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 to 10 medium red new potatoes peeled and sliced
1 1/2 cups milk
12 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups instant biscuit mix (I used Bisquick)

Instructions:

Beef Layer: Saute onions in 2 tablespoons butter. Add ground beef. After beef is browned, add tomato sauce; Mix in vegetables. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Potato Layer: Peel and slice potatoes 1/4-inch thick. Cook in boiling water for approximately 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Whip potatoes with electric mixer; mix until moderately smooth. Don't over beat them; a few lumps are nice. Add 1/2 cup heated milk, 1/2 cup butter, and sour cream. Salt and pepper, to taste. Whip until mixed. Adjust thickness by adding more milk, if desired.

Biscuit Layer: Combine biscuit mix and 1 cup milk. The mix should be thinner than normal biscuit mix but not runny.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Spray a 9x13 or any similar casserole dish. Layer half way up with the mashed potatoes. Next, spread a layer of the meat and mixed vegetables. Pour biscuit mix over meat and veggies. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over top. Bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes until top is golden brown.

Original recipe found here