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)

Couscous Salad
Large bowl of a vegetable packed Couscous Salad.

Couscous Salad

A light and colorful salad combining sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans and fresh vegetables with couscous pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Corn and Tomato Salad
Corn and tomato mix with dressing in a small bowl.

Corn and Tomato Salad

Light and refreshing salad idea with Italian dressing and fresh herbs. A great option for side dishes, potlucks or summer BBQs.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Barley Lentil Soup
Bowls of soup containing colorful vegetables, lentils and barley.

Barley Lentil Soup

One-pot hearty lentil soup that’s packed with veggies, herbs and grains!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 and ½ hours
Makes:
10 cups
Atole with Oats
cup of Atole with Oats

Atole with Oats

If you like oatmeal and cinnamon, try this variation of a traditional Mexican warm drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Southern Okra Bean Stew
Bowl of okra, rice and bean soup with tomato-based broth.

Southern Okra Bean Stew

A combination of hearty whole grains, creamy beans and tasty veggies make a satisfying and delicious stew.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
14 cups
Coconut Chicken Salad
Plate of shredded chicken with vegetables and coconut flakes served next to rice.

Coconut Chicken Salad

This simple chicken salad is our version of chicken kelaguen, a favorite recipe from Micronesia. Enjoy the blend of crisp vegetables, chicken, coconut, hot peppers and fresh lemon. Excellent the next day, too!
Prepare:
20 to 30 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.