Shepherd's Pie

1 finely chopped onion

2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 can undiluted consomme

2 cups mashed potatoes*

1 cup grated Cheddar [optional]

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook onion in skillet, then add the 
ground beef.  Add seasonings.
Cook thoroughly.

Blend in consomme.

Put meat mixture in a 9 x 12 pan.
Top with potatoes.**

Bake for 30 minutes, or until potatoes 
begin to brown.
If using, top with cheese after 30 minutes 
or so, and broil.

*instant potatoes may be used
**we have also made this recipe reversed - putting 
the potatoes in the dish first, with the meat 
on top, then cheese.