This quick version of Shepherd’s Pie gives you all the delicious flavours of the traditional version without the hassle of layering. Mashed potatoes are topped with the ground beef and veggie mixture combined with a simple but delicious pan gravy.
Watch the quick 1-MINUTE VIDEO
or the full COOK-ALONG VIDEO
Print
Upside-Down Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
1 lb (500 g) potatoes, peeled and
cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
3 tbsp (45 mL) milk
1 lb (500 g) Ground Beef
1 small onion, diced
¾ tsp (4 mL) *salt
½ tsp (2 mL) EACH pepper, dried rosemary (crumbled) and dried thyme leaves
2 cups (500 mL) frozen peas and carrots mix
2 tbsp (30 mL) cornstarch
Instructions
1. Place potatoes in a large pot and add cold water to cover by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return to the pot. Mash potatoes with potato masher until no lumps remain. Add butter and continue mashing, gradually adding milk to make potatoes smooth and creamy.
2. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat in a large skillet, stirring often and using the back of a spoon to break up meat into small chunks, for 8 minutes or until beef is browned.
3. Stir in *salt (if cooking for baby, omit salt at this stage), pepper, rosemary, thyme, and frozen vegetables; cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes, until vegetables are thawed and heated through. Whisk together cornstarch and 1½ cups (375 mL) cold water in a measuring cup or bowl. Gradually pour this slurry into the beef mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; rreduce heat to medium or medium-low and simmer, stirring, 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see modified textures (below). For the rest of the family, spoon mashed potatoes into serving bowls and top with a spoonful of beef mixture.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt
Basic Guidelines:
• *Prepare recipe without adding salt except for Toddler stage
• Cook beef to 160°F (71°C)
• Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm temperature
Puréed Texture: Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) cooked beef and vegetable mixture and 3 tbsp (45 mL) mashed potatoes in a small food processor; blend until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Chunky Mash: Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) cooked beef and vegetable mixture and 3 tbsp (45 mL) mashed potatoes in a bowl; mash together with the back a spoon until you reach a consistency that suits your baby’s ability, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary.
Toddler Finger Foods: Spoon beef mixture and mashed potatoes in a serving bowl.
