Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that combines the rich flavors of perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes all in one skillet? Look no further! This Simple Skillet Shepherd's Pie is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort dish that promises to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all ingredients.
- Add ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté together until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Mix in frozen mixed vegetables, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the meat mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure even seasoning.
- Spread prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the beef and vegetable mixture, creating a smooth, even layer that covers the entire skillet.
- If desired, use a fork to create decorative peaks and ridges on the potato surface, which will become golden and crispy when baked.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let the Shepherd's Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, portioning out equal servings to each plate.
Tips
- Choose the Right Skillet: Use a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet for best results, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Meat Matters: For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and lamb, or opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your mixed vegetables. Add carrots, peas, or corn for extra nutrition and color.
- Potato Perfection: For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or butter when preparing them.
- Browning Technique: Ensure your ground beef is well-browned to develop deep, rich flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Fork Decoration: Create decorative peaks on your potato topping to achieve a crispy, golden-brown surface when baked.
- Resting Time: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make serving easier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
