Easy Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Introduction
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This easy recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Using frozen peas and carrots and simple pantry ingredients makes it a practical, delicious dish for any home cook.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (or white onion, diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
- 1.5 pounds yellow potatoes (about 6 medium, cut roughly into small 1″ chunks)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or bone broth)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (use ghee or compatible vegan butter for Whole30)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup canned full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (or other non-dairy unsweetened milk)
- 1 large egg (see notes for egg-free)
- 2 cups beef broth (or bone broth)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or potato starch
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (optional, only if have on hand)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the beef broth and cut potatoes in a large pot over high heat. The broth will not fully cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Step 2: While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet (preferably oven-safe) over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 10 minutes.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, arrowroot or potato starch, coconut aminos (if using), onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to make the gravy mixture. Pour the gravy mixture into the skillet with the cooked meat and onions, then add the frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Step 4: Once potatoes are tender, drain the broth from the potatoes but save it. Add the vegan butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and coconut milk to the hot potatoes. Mash the potatoes with a wire masher until smooth but avoid over-mixing to prevent gumminess. If the potatoes seem dry, add some of the reserved broth to reach the desired consistency. Finally, stir in the egg until fully combined.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to broil on high.
- Step 6: If using an oven-safe skillet, carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the meat mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and then spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top.
- Step 7: Broil for about 5 minutes until the potato topping is lightly browned and forms a crust. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
- Step 8: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations
- For an egg-free version, omit the egg and add a splash of broth or additional coconut milk to help bind the mashed potatoes.
- Use ghee or a plant-based butter substitute to keep the recipe Whole30 compliant.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have arrowroot or potato starch, corn starch can be used as a thickener instead.
Storage
Store leftover Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground lamb or turkey can be substituted for ground beef to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, simply transfer the cooked meat mixture to a baking dish before adding the mashed potato topping and broiling.
Print
Easy Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting one-pan meal featuring savory ground beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then broiled to a golden crust. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together using simple ingredients and minimal cookware.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds yellow potatoes (about 6 medium), cut roughly into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (ghee or compatible vegan butter for Whole30)
- 1/4 cup canned full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (or other non-dairy unsweetened milk)
- 1 large egg
Broth and Seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth (or bone broth)
- 2 cups beef broth (or bone broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for meat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for meat)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for potatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or potato starch
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Combine 2 cups chicken broth and the cut potatoes in a large pot on the stove over high heat. The broth will not completely cover the potatoes. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Brown Meat and Onions: While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet (preferably oven-safe) over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 10 minutes.
- Make and Add Gravy: Whisk together beef broth, arrowroot or potato starch, coconut aminos (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and onion powder. Once the meat is cooked, pour the gravy mixture and frozen peas and carrots directly into the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens and vegetables are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Once potatoes are tender, strain and reserve the broth. Return potatoes to pot, add vegan butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and coconut milk. While still hot, mash with a wire masher, being careful to avoid over-mixing to prevent gumminess. If the potatoes seem dry, add reserved broth a little at a time until smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in the beaten egg until combined.
- Preheat Broiler: Turn the oven on to broil at high heat to prepare for finishing the shepherd’s pie.
- Assemble Pie: If your skillet is oven-safe, carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the ground beef mixture in the pan. If not, transfer the meat mixture to a 9×9 inch baking dish, then spread the mashed potatoes on top.
- Broil: Place under the broiler for 5 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and develops a crust. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve and Store: Remove from oven and serve warm. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For an egg-free option, omit the egg in the mashed potatoes or use a suitable egg replacer.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to finish the dish without transferring to a separate baking dish, reducing cleanup.
- The coconut aminos add a touch of umami and depth; omit if unavailable.
- Be cautious not to over-mash the potatoes to avoid a gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Skillet Dinner, Ground Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal
