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)

Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos
Bean and chicken mix wrapped in flour tortillas and tin foil shown on plates.

Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos

Tortillas are rolled around a flavorful filling of beans, spices and chicken. Kids and adults will love them for a quick and tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Burritos
Watermelon Fruit Salad
Large bowl with a colorful fresh fruit mix.

Watermelon Fruit Salad

Fresh and easy summer fruit mixed with tangy lime and a touch of honey.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Garbanzo Bean and Vegetable Salad
bowl of bean and vegetable salad

Garbanzo Bean and Vegetable Salad

This colorful salad comes together fast for a lunch or a side to share with others.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts
Plate of brussels sprouts with a creamy yogurt dressing.

Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts

Sauteed Brussels sprouts with a creamy lemon and dill sauce.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Cheesy Potato Soup
Photo of Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup

This one-pot soup is creamy, cheesy, comforting and perfect on a cold day.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Vegetarian Tofu Enchiladas
Casserole dish with a tofu and vegetable mix topped with black olives and cilantro.

Vegetarian Tofu Enchiladas

Tofu provides protein while mushrooms provide texture and umami flavor in these easy enchiladas.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 pieces