Skip to main content

Superhero Shepherd's Pie

Try this mix of vegetables and ground beef topped with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Kid friendly
Plate of a ground beef and vegetable mix with a layer of mashed potato on top.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup 1% or nonfat milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
3 Tablespoons flour
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup low-sodium broth (any type)
 

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Put diced potatoes in saucepan; add enough water to barely cover. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until soft.
  4. Drain potatoes and mash. Stir in milk, cheese, salt and pepper. Set mixture aside.
  5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  6. Brown meat in a large skillet. Add onion powder, if desired. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring all the time.
  7. Add vegetables and broth. Stir until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  8. Spoon vegetable mixture into an 8x8-inch square baking dish. Spread potato mixture over the top.
  9. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
  10. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add diced onion and garlic to meat when browning.
  • Try any mix of frozen, cooked or canned and drained vegetables you have on hand.
  • Try other seasonings such as garlic powder, thyme, oregano or cilantro.
  • Broth can be homemade, canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.

Comments

I just made this for dinner with puff pastry and soy curls instead of meat - so kind of a pot pie, I guess! - and it tasted wonderful! It was a great vegetarian meal that was very filling. The onions definitely help with the flavor.

Could this be made in the skillet only with instant mashed potatoes on top? I'd like to use this for a class with limited kitchen material and no oven. 

This is a simple and tasty basic recipe that lends itself to what you have on hand and the seasoning you like. I used frozen cauliflower, red bell pepper, corn and chopped kale. I put onions in with the beef as suggested by a previous comment. I added garlic and some red pepper flakes. I also had a sweet potato so mashed it along with yellow potatoes. Yum! We will make this again. I imagine it will be great when the vegetables are garden fresh, too.

All my kids liked this dish which is a small miracle.  I added diced onion when I browned the meat.

Thick and filling main dish. I'm thinking a little garlic powder and chopped onion could go a long way. Definitely am going to give this recipe another try!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Microwave Fresh Vegetables
Glass containers with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and green beans.

Microwave Fresh Vegetables

Steam-cooking fresh vegetables in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner. The short cooking time preserves nutrients, color and flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Cheesy Beef Pasta
Photo of Cheesy Beef Pasta

Cheesy Beef Pasta

This kid-approved recipe combines tomato sauce, fresh zucchini and Italian herbs for the perfect weeknight meal in under an hour!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Drinkable Yogurt
Sundae glass of yogurt and orange juice mix.

Drinkable Yogurt

A simple 2-ingredient snack made with yogurt and your favorite fruit juice.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Pomegranate Smoothie
glasses of Pomegranate Smoothie

Pomegranate Smoothie

This beautiful smoothie combines sparkling pomegranate seeds with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Whole-Wheat Spiced Pear Bread
Platter with slices of golden brown pear bread.

Whole-Wheat Spiced Pear Bread

The delicate taste of pear shines through in this lightly spiced and moist quick bread. Enjoy with breakfast or as a snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
1 loaf (16 slices)
Savory Yogurt Spread
Yogurt dip served in a veggie wrap and sliced vegetables.

Savory Yogurt Spread

A thick and creamy herbed yogurt spread that is great on wraps or for dipping veggies and pita.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup