Paula's Empadão Recipe - Portuguese Cottage Pie with Beef

1. Place a medium pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mixed vegetables.
2. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Incorporate the tomato paste, hot red pepper sauce, mustard, bouillon cube, paprika, black pepper, red wine, and salt.
4. Add the ground beef to the pot, stirring well to break up the meat and combine with the aromatics.
5. Cook the mixture for 15 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and the liquid has reduced slightly, then remove from heat.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F.
7. Grease a medium casserole dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
8. Spread an even layer of the prepared mashed potatoes across the bottom of the dish.
9. Pour the cooked ground beef mixture over the first layer of potatoes, smoothing it out to the edges.
10. Top the meat with the remaining mashed potatoes, using a spatula to create an even surface or decorative peaks.
11. Brush the beaten egg wash over the top of the mashed potatoes to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
12. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully browned.
13. Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to help the layers set.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Paula