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.
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Upside-Down Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
1 lb (500 g) potatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
3 tbsp (45 mL) milk
1 lb (500 g) Lean Ground Beef
1 small onion, diced
3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt
1/2 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, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and frozen vegetables; cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes, until vegetables are thawed and heated through. Whisk together cornstarch and 1 1/2 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; reduce heat to medium to medium-low and simmer, stirring, for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. To serve for Baby/Toddler, see Modified Textures (below). For the rest of the family, spoon beef mixture into serving bowls and top with a dollop of mashed potatoes.
Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt
Basic Guidelines:
• Prepare foods without adding salt
• Cook beef to 160ºF (71ºC)
• Before serving, heat up all baby food until hot, then cool to lukewarm
Infant Mix: Combine 1/4 cup (60 mL) cooked beef and vegetable mixture, 3 tbsp (45 mL) mashed potatoes and 2 tbsp (30 mL) additional water in a small food processor; process for about 1 minute or until smooth.
Chunky Mash: Combine 1/4 cup (60 mL) cooked beef and vegetable mixture, 3 tbsp (45 mL) mashed potatoes and 1 tbsp (15 mL) additional water in a bowl; mash together with the back of a spoon until desired consistency has been reached.
Toddler Finger Foods: Spoon beef mixture and mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Offer utensils. You can also let your toddler serve themselves with a little help from a caregiver.
