Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Lightly spray an 8- or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
    
2. Put potatoes and cauliflower in a large pot. Pour in enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over ahigh heat. Reduce the heat to medium. Boil for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the vegetables well in a colander.
    
3. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the carrots and mushrooms for 5 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in the beef and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the meat is browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, stirring frequently to turn and break up the beef.
    
4. Stir in the flour, tomato paste, thyme, onion powder, pepper, and ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt. Cook for two minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the water. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat.
    
5. In a food processor or blender, process the potatoes, cauliflower, milk, and remaining ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
    
6. Transfer the beef mixture to the baking dish. Spread the potato mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Level 4: Pureed
In a food processor or blender, process the desired serving(s) until smooth. The beef and vegetable mixture can be pureed and served separately from the mashed potatoes/cauliflower, if desired.

Level 5: Minced and Moist
Using a food processor, blender, or knife, process or cut the ground beef and vegetables into pieces no more than 4 millimeters in size. The pieces should be moist and fit between the tines of a fork.

Level 6: Soft and Bite-Size
If needed, using a knife, cut the food into pieces no bigger than 1.5 x 1.5 centimeters (about the size of your thumbnail). To test for softness, press down on the ground beef and vegetables using the back of a fork. They should remain squashed and not regain their shape.