Dishin' It Out: Homemade Shepherd's Pie

I got my new cookbook in the mail, The Picky Palate Cookbook, by the awesome Jenny Flake. I don't think there's a single thing in there that I wouldn't make! I highly recommend her book. The first thing I made, her homemade shepherd's pie. The family loved it, everyone had seconds...maybe even thirds. I will be making this all the time!

You need:
for the mashed potatoes-
2 1/2 lbs peeled diced potatoes (I used 7 potatoes)
3 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup milk

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 lb ground beef
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can green beans, drained

Sauce
3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (original recipe calls for 1 cup, but I love me some cheese)

Preheat your oven to 350. Spray a 13x9 dish with cooking spray.
Get your potatoes going. Peel, dice, and boil for about 20 min, or until fork tender. Drain and put them into a mixer, or use a hand mixer.

Add the salt, pepper,garlic powder, butter, and 1 cup of milk. Taste and season more if needed.

In a skillet, over med-high heat, drizzle the olive oil. Add the onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 min. Add the ground beef. Continue to cook until all meat is browned.

In a small sauce pan, melt the butter, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, and chicken broth.

Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for about five minutes.
Add the green beans to the ground beef, and pour the sauce on top.