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)

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad
Bowl of vegetables with bulgur and dressing.

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Tasty make-ahead salad with hearty whole grains, fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Prepare:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Plate of baked zucchini halves filled with red sauce and melted cheese.

Zucchini Pizza Boats

Simple 4-ingredient meal topped with warm marinara sauce and melted cheese!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 small zucchini halves
Chunky Black Bean Dip
Ceramic bowl with bean dip served next to vegetable slices.

Chunky Black Bean Dip

Great appetizer or snack idea ready in as little as 10 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Potato Wedges
Plate of golden baked potato slices.

Potato Wedges

Seasoned baked potato wedges with a crispy outside and soft inside.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Mix and Match Stir-Fry
Two bowls with rice and a variety of stir-fried vegetables.

Mix and Match Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are the perfect easy weeknight meal!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Fiesta Barley Salad
Bowl of mandarin orange and barley salad with a wooden serving fork.

Fiesta Barley Salad

A bright and colorful salad with a combination of grains, veggies and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups