Improper English Cottage Pie

In all my years as an eater, I have never come across a suitable explanation for the phenomenon known as the "meat pie." Last week I decided to sort this mystery out myself, and embarked on a meat pie mission.
My Mission, if I chose to accept it, was to master the Proper English Cottage Pie. Proper English Cottage Pie a 3 layered dish composed of ground beef, mashed potatoes, and cheese. As a vegetarian the whole beef thing was a wee problem. So here's what makes my pie improper, instead of beef, I used Boca Bites (the veg version of ground beef) and Smartfood Steak Strips (veg). The Smartfood strips have their own flavor, I'd really recommend them.

Spoiler Alert, it was tasty! It was simple, cheap, and delicious; something I'd definitely make again.

Here's what I did:
I cut up half an onion, browned it a bit, and tossed the ground "meat" into the pan with a handful of peas and carrots, 2tablespoon flower, a pinch of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce. I sauteed until the onion was browned and the "meat" and veggies were heated. then I added garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon fresh basil, 1 tsp fresh oregano, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley. In a mixing bowl, I combined 1 tablespoon tomato paste (ketchup works as well) and 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth. I added the broth to the meat mixture and simmered for 15 minutes. once I was done I scooped it into a 9 inch pie plate.

While the mixture was simmering I cut up, boiled, and mashed 4 potatoes (I recommend russet). I used 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup milk for fluffy potatoes. As a time saver, try boxed potatoes, this dish is meant to be a simple meal of convenience.

I put the potatoes on top of the meat mixture and topped the potatoes with a layer of cheddar cheese (1/4 lb shredded). I baked it a 400 degrees for 25 minutes. And what do you know, I had a tasty treat even that my "foody" aunt and uncle gobbled up.