Skip to main content

Superhero Shepherd's Pie

This classic recipe of vegetables and ground beef topped with comforting mashed potatoes.
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 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. 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.
  3. Drain potatoes and mash. Stir in milk, cheese, salt and pepper. Set mixture aside.
  4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  5. Brown meat in a large skillet. Add onion powder, if desired. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring all the time.
  6. Add vegetables and broth. Stir until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Spoon vegetable mixture into an 8x8-inch square baking dish. Spread potato mixture over the top.
  8. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
  9. 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

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)

Personalized Pasta Salad
Bowl of spiral pasta, chicken and vegetables.

Personalized Pasta Salad

Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Southern Green Beans
Bowl of green beans with ham and onions.

Southern Green Beans

Fresh and tender green beans and salty ham are the perfect combo in this recipe that is ready in 30 minutes or less.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Red Cabbage with Apples
Plate of sauteed cabbage and apples.

Red Cabbage with Apples

A sweet and savor combination of sauteed cabbage, onion, and apples that makes a perfect side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Microwave Popcorn
Large bowl of seasoned popcorn with cilantro.

Microwave Popcorn

Make the perfect snack at home with a paper bag!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Fruit Salad
Footed dessert glasses filled with a fruit mix coated in yogurt.

Fruit Salad

A favorite recipe by many of our educators, as it is so easily adaptable and tasty.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Baked Tomatoes with Cheese
Sliced tomatoes with herbs and broiled cheese are shown on a serving platter.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

A great summer recipe to use your garden tomatoes! Easy-to-make party appetizer or snack!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
8 slices
Was this page helpful to you?