Yesterday my kid came home and told me that they’d had a lockdown. It happens more than it probably should (#armylife) and thankfully it’s always nothing.
Really, it’s usually a parent threatening to punch the principal or something.
And no, it’s never been me.
Yet.
Anyway, I asked what happened and he said, “There was a mountain lion! I saw it’s footprints on the playground on the way home!”
I was all, “Yeah….” and sent him upstairs to do his homework. So I went to my husband and said, “Hey, he said they had a lockdown because of a mountain lion.”
And he said, “Yeah, it’s possible. We see all kinds of things on the ranges.”
“What? Like they just come through the gate? That jerk wouldn’t let me through unless I took my sunglasses off the other day. But they’re letting mountain lions in?”
“Uhhh, a mountain lion could jump the fence. Pretty awesome, huh?”
And now I’m terrified. Of mountain lions. Hanging out in my backyard.
So in honor of the kid that may be telling me the truth or may be just trying to really scare his mother, I made something I knew he’d love.
Burger and Fries Pot Pie!
It’s really simple and my kids all loved it. It’s ground beef with some diced tomatoes and cheese and then it’s all topped with crinkle-cut French fries. How can that be bad? We won’t talk about how many French fries I stole off the top.
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- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 can 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen crinkle cut French fries
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Preheat oven to 425F.
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In a large skillet, cook beef and onion together until beef is cooked through and onion is soft and translucent. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a boil; remove from heat.
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Pour mixture into an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; spread out into an even layer and sprinkle with cheese. Arrange French fries in a single layer on top.
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Bake for about 25 minutes or until French fries are golden brown.
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
Whoa, I would be completely freaked out too! What a fun dinner to make for the kids, I bet the forgot all about the huge footprints outside! Stay safe!
Cookbook Queen says
WHAT? You are blowing my mind, with the mountain lion and with this pot pie. But one in a bad way and one in the best way. I need this now!
kristy @ the wicked noodle says
Holy mountain lion! That would freak me out. What a good mom you are to make him this fun & creative pot pie! I’m going to keep this one on standby for when my girls need a little extra TLC, too :)
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
A mountain lion? I would be freaking out too!! This dinner idea looks fantastic! Such comfort food!
Robyn Stone says
Oh my stars! A lockdown? A mountain lion? My heart rate is through the roof just thinking of either one!! But what a great idea for this potpie. Genius!
heather @french press says
every once in a while, we get a mountain lion in the area that has wandered down from the hills – it’s definitely a bit scary, our neighbors even had a baby black bear in their yard – that one made the news :) and this pot pie – my kids would think I was a major star if i served this for dinner
Ashley (QLCC) says
What an awesome idea! I love the fries as the “crust” :)
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
No way! A mountain lion! How scary! But this pot pie looks amazing!
Jerry says
I love this idea. I’ve done something similar with tater-tots in the past, but now I’m going to have to give this a shot as well. I’m sure my littlest will love this!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
Scary! We hike in the woods a lot and I’ve been known to freak myself out (often) about mountain lions. “What was that sound??” I see why he would love this pot pie too – I know I would!
LoveCompassionateLee says
This is my kind of meal! I wish I could eat like this all the time…probably not a good idea. Happy Wednesday :)
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/1/28/12815
Lisa Huff says
Ummm, mountain lion???!!! Yikes!!! Such a cute pot pie idea, love it!
Yoly | SavvyMujer says
I’d be freaking out too! Now, love the creativity on this recipe. Those crinkle cut french fries brought some good memories.
Jenice says
Received The Performance Paleo Cookbook from last weeks giveaway and I’m so excited to sit down and read. Thanks Amanda!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Say what?! A mountain lion? Glad you guys had this to comfort you! It looks great!
[email protected] Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
Ok so Mountian Lion aside, I want to dive in and gobble this up! Totally going in my weeknight meals rotation!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I am totally loving this! Krinkle cut fries are the best cut of fries ever in the history of fries. Just sayin…
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says
OMG you have to keep an eye on Clem at all times!!! Eff the Mountain Lion!
Krystle (Baking Beauty) says
This looks like such a yummy and easy weeknight dinner idea!