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
