Laura's Lean Beef

Healthy comfort meals offer a hearty balance of protein and vegetables, providing you with the energy necessary to handle a busy fall schedule. Winter seems to be the best time for comfort meals because they are filling, warm and delicious and everyone loves to sit down to a warm meal on a cold night!

This winter I am making my comfort meals with Laura's Lean Beef. Why? Because I love their products and their philosophy: They believe smarter eating shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the foods you love. That’s why their beef is raised without antibiotics or hormones, on a vegetarian diet … and it’s naturally lower in fat!

Many people believe that they need to eliminate meat from their diet to stay fit; however the nutrients and protein that lean meat provides fuels families with energy. Lean meat, such as Laura’s Lean Beef, can easily be added to the recipes many are already making. Laura’s is popular as it is a healthy choice because it’s natural, low fat beef, raised humanely on a vegetarian diet without the use of antibiotics or hormones, that is full of flavor.

I love making meals with ground beef because it is easy to freeze until you are ready to use, it cooks up really easily and tastes great in so many different meals! We usually eat ground beef in at least one or two meals a week!

One of my husband's favorite meals is Shepherd's Pie (he literally asks for it once a week!). So I thought it would be a perfect recipe to share with you today as winter approaches and you are looking for a filling, hearty, warm but HEALTHY meal for your family!

Check out the following quick, one-dish recipe for shepherds’ pie and let me know when you make it!! :)

Shepherds’ Pie

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients
1 pound Laura’s 92% Lean Ground Beef or 96% Lean Ground Round
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion, undrained
1 (1-pound) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1/2 cup fat-free, low-salt beef broth
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/3 cup 2% reduced-fat milk

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook beef, onion and garlic in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until beef is browned; drain. Stir in tomatoes, vegetables, broth, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Spoon beef mixture into a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish coated with cooking spray. 
2. Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until very tender. Drain well and return potato to pan; mash well. Add milk, remaining salt and pepper, mixing until smooth. Spread mashed potatoes over meat mixture and bake for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
3. Preheat broiler. Broil casserole 5 minutes or until potatoes are browned.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Using 92% Lean Ground Beef
CALORIES 442.62 (15% from fat); FAT 7.57g (sat 0.35g); PROTEIN 29.33g; CARB 69.62g; FIBER 14.79g; CHOL 1.08mg; SODIUM 779.83mg.

Using 96% Lean Ground Round
CALORIES 429.12 (9% from fat); FAT 4.53g (sat 0.35g); PROTEIN 31.36g; CARB 69.62g; FIBER 14.79g; CHOL 1.08mg; SODIUM 789.96mg.

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* Thank you to Laura's Lean Beef for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*