Unless you have leftover mashed potatoes, cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain, mash well and add butter, milk and salt.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Saute onions in oil.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Cut the broccoli into flowers and stems - slice stems in ¼ inch round pieces.
Add vegetables and the remaining ingredients to the ground beef mixture. Bring to a boil and cover. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Place the vegetable mixture in a greased 9" x 13" dish.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the top - dot with butter.
Bake at 350 F for about 15 minutes - until the potatoes are piping hot.
Enjoy!
Notes
Extra Tips For Making A Shepherd's Pie;
If you have sweet potatoes that need used up this is also a delicious way to use them
You can substitute the ground beef for pork or lamb
Leave the ground beef out and use lentil or spinach for a delicious, hearty vegetarian meal.