Cheesy Potato-Topped Beef & Vegetable Sheperd's Pie - Alberta Milk

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (about 6)
• salt
• pepper
• 2 cups (500 ml) milk, divided
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) shredded Canadian Cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp (7 ml) dried italian herb seasoning
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• 19 oz (540 ml) can stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) barbecue sauce, divided
• 2 cups (500 ml) frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegatables
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) hot pepper sauce (to taste)