SALISBURY STEAK COTTAGE PIE CASSEROLE

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef (1.9 kg)

2 tsp minced garlic (10 mL)

11/2 tsp salt (7 mL)

1/2 tsp black pepper (2 mL)

1 cup diced mushrooms (250 mL)

1 cup diced onions (250 mL)

Creamy Gravy:

4 oz cream cheese (125 g)

1/2 cup whipping cream (125 mL)

2 tbsp water (30 mL)

1 tbsp extra-light olive oil (15 ml)

1 tsp onion powder (5 mL)

1/8 tsp salt (0.5 mL)

2 tbsp brown gravy mix (30 mL)

(commercial kind) – optional (use a little Worcestershire sauce)

Mashed Cauliflower Topping:

1 medium cauliflower

3 oz cream cheese (90 g)

1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (60 mL)

1 tbsp butter (15 mL)

1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)

1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (125 mL)

Garnish:

2 slices bacon, cooked, diced

Green onions, tops only

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In large, nonstick frying pan, fry ground beef over medium heat breaking it up very small with a firm spatula. As it begins to brown, add garlic, salt and black pepper.

In another nonstick frying pan, cook onions briefly in some extra-light olive oil and then add mushrooms and cook until onions and mushrooms have browned. Add to cooked ground beef.

Creamy Gravy: In saucepot, add cream cheese, whipping cream, water, extra-light olive, onion powder and salt. Whisk every now and then. When the sauce is smooth, stir in the brown gravy mix. Stir the sauce into the ground beef and vegetable mix.

Mashed Cauliflower Topping: Cut up cauliflower and add to boiling water. Cook until soft and tender to the tip of a sharp paring knife. Drain. Place in a salad spinner and spin dry or mop the cauliflower with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In food processor, place cooked cauliflower along with cream cheese, Mozzarella cheese, butter and salt. Process until smooth.

Assembly of casserole: In 8 x 12-inch (20 x 30 cm) glass baking dish, place ground beef mixture. Press down lightly with a spatula or big spoon. Spread Cauliflower mixture over top. Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.