Shepherd`s Pie

1 pound lean ground beef

1 large onion -- finely chopped

1 stalk celery -- finely chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 16 oz. pkg. mixed frozen vegetables

{corn, green beans, carrots, or any other variety} 2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

MASHED POTATOES: 4 large potatoes

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1/4 cup milk

Paprika -- to taste

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees. * In a large saute pan or skillet, add ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic; cook over medium heat until meat is browned; drain liquid. Do not return to heat. * Stir in tomato sauce, vegetables, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, and black pepper. MASHED POTATOES: Boil potatoes over high heat until soft; drain. Add butter and gradually add milk while mashing potatoes with electric mixer or hand masher. The consistency of mashed potatoes should be firm; add milk, as necessary, but remember not to make the potatoes too runny. Set aside. * Transfer meat and vegetable mixture to a 2- 2 1/2-quart casserole. Evenly top with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and bake for 20 minutes or until potatoes are lightly browned.