Skillet Shepherd's Pie

Both Dr. Sweetpea and I love Shepherd's Pie since it's so comforting and super easy to make. I noticed that we had some potatoes that were about to go back, so I made this easy but tasty meal midweek and it was a huge hit. Dr. Sweetpea even took a huge serving to work with him for lunch the next day. No pictures this time but definitely make this!

Skillet Shepherd's Pie

(Source: Jo Cooks Blog) 

For Meat Mixture

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef

salt and pepper to taste

1 large onion chopped

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1.9 oz onion soup mix I used Knorr, 55g pkg

1 cup beef broth

2 cups frozen veggies I used mix of peas, carrots, green beans and corn

For Mashed Potatoes

6 large potatoes peeled and cut into cubes

4 tablespoons butter softened

2/3 cup milk

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish

Start by first cooking the potatoes in boiling water for about 15 minutes or until fork tender. While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare the meat mixture. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it for about 5 minutes or until it's no longer pink, breaking it up as you go along. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 more minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, beef broth and stir. Stir in the frozen veggies and cook for a couple more minutes. Set aside. Preheat the oven 350 F degrees. Prepare the mashed potatoes. Drain the potatoes then add them to a large bowl. Add in the butter and using a potato masher, mash until smooth. Add the milk, Parmesan cheese, salt pepper and mash a bit a more until smooth. Spread the potatoes over the meat and smooth with a spoon. Take a fork and rough up the top a bit and garnish with a bit of parsley. Place the skillet on a baking sheet, then place it in the oven and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown on top. Garnish with more parsley and pepper and serve warm.