Make a quick version of Shepherd’s Pie that’s packed with vegetables and meat with a beef gravy all served on a bed of mashed potatoes.
I like to take recipes that are complicated and make them simple. Shepherd’s Pie is carefully layered. Then topped with a crust made out of mashed potatoes. Making the filling part usually isn’t too difficult. But trying to get the mashed potatoes to layer, without getting mixed in on accident, and cooking just right, is not so simple. To make it easier, just make it Upside Down Shepherd’s Pie!
Justin and I both said that a version of Shepherd’s Pie sounded delicious while we were working on a meal plan recently. It would also be a great way to use up some of the vegetables we had in the refrigerator. But, again, I didn’t want to deal with the hassle that can come with preparing a traditional shepherd’s pie. So, we flipped it upside down!
It was much easier to make the mashed potatoes be the base for the meal rather than the crust on top. The leftovers were much better this way. Instead of saving the entire thing, we could save the potatoes and the filling individually. This meant the starch of the potatoes didn’t get into the filling and the filling didn’t separate the potatoes.
Overall, this was a very easy recipe to whip up for dinner one night and didn’t take too long. You can always substitute other vegetables in, depending on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Step by Step
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, warm the oil and add the beef. Stir and cook until the beef has browned, usually about 7-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the instant mashed potatoes according to the directions. You could also use homemade mashed potatoes. But to keep it simple, instant work just as well. Prepare the vegetables as needed.
Drain the meat and return it to the pan. Then add the onion, celery, carrot, rosemary, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk the beef broth and flour together. Pour the mixture into the pan and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the salt and pepper. Divide the potatoes among 4 serving bowls and top with the beef mixture.
Recipe
Originally Published On: September 25, 2018
Last Updated On: November 22, 2019
Upside Down Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 carrot (shredded)
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, warm the oil
- Brown the ground beef, drain, then return to the pan
- Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes according to the directions
- Add in the chopped vegetables (onion, celery, carrot), rosemary, and minced garlic then cook until tender, about 5 minutes
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk the beef broth with the flour
- Add the broth mixture to the pan and bring to a boil
- Then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until thickened, about 4 minutes
- Stir in the salt and pepper
- Divide the mashed potatoes among 4 serving bowls then top with the beef mixture
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You’ve done it again!! I love this simple reinvention of a classic! I’ve always found a shepards pie to be quite intimidating. But this seems totally manageable!
Yeah, I wasn’t about to try the complicated traditional version, but this was so easy to do!
Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t have the patience, desire or skill set (it’s true!) to make a real Shepherd’s pie so this recipe is a total game changer. Thank you for making such a classic dish more approachable for us non-chef folks!
I love to cook but still don’t know if I want to tackle traditional shepherd’s pie! I’m glad this seems more do-able to others as well.
I have done this many times due to time and patience, or admittedly because I forgot something. I grew up eating Shepherd’s Pie and I make it when the eves are cool for my kids now. Perfectly warm autumn and winter dish. Yum!
I didn’t have shepherd’s pie for the first time until I was in college. It was when we were at a family member’s house, and it looked like a lot to make. This was much easier and quicker.
I’ll have to make this for my English husband. I’ll spoil him with a taste of home. 😀
Oh, I’m sure he would love that!
I love this idea! I have only made shepherds pie once and was so frustrated with the potato topping. Never would have thought to flip it!
I haven’t even tried to make it the traditional way. It just looks like it wouldn’t be very fun. This version was much easier.
Comfort food for sure. What a great little idea this is. I think it looks much better upside down and bet it tastes scrummy x
It tastes so good like this. I actually prefer it because the potatoes don’t get so crusty on top when baked.
I have to try doing Sherpherds Pie this way!!! It’s a favorite of my husband’s!
This is such an easy way to make it, and it’s such a delicious meal. I hope your husband enjoys this version, too!
How revolutionary Stephanie! I love all kinds of pies and this looks so delicious! Again I will take your original idea and try to recreate it with vegan ingredients this weekend! I cannot wait!!
I would love to try a meatless version at some point, too. Hopefully it works out well for you!
I’ve never made Shepherd’s Pie before, but I had a roommate in college that did, so every time I hear about it, it makes me think of him. I like that it’s served on top of mashed potatoes.
I love when food brings up memories like that 🙂 This is an easy version, which is why the potatoes are on bottom.
This looks great and it’s genius to take something that could be time consuming and simplify it yet keeping all the wonderful flavours.
Thanks! I like making meals easy and do-able for others. It’s such a delicious warm meal.
Shepherd’s pie is one of our favorites. This is an interesting twist of doing it upside down – not sure if my family would flip or not! haha
Haha, I needed an easy way to make it, and this was much easier!
I like the combination meat, potatoes and vegetables. And it’s so easy to make, only 30 min. Definitely gonna make this recipe.
It’s a great way to combine so many flavors into one delicious, easy meal!
This looks SO tasty. I’m a big fan of Shepherds Pie so I’m intrigued to see how this version would work out for me 🙂
Louise x
I’d love to know what you think as a fan of the traditional recipe. This one is quick and easy.
I don’t eat meat but my kids would love this. They love when I make new recipes! I will have to consider making this for them.
We really enjoy this meal. I’ve made it a few times now and it’s always such a great warm meal. I’m sure your kids would love it for something new and different!
I love Sheppard pie but I have never made it that way. You know I am going to try it soon Stephanie. Thanks for sharing,. It is the perfect side dish for this Holiday Season.
I’ve never made it the traditional way before, but this version is so quick and easy!
I have never made it before. It looks much easier than I thought. You have so many easy recipes I will need for when we have our new kitchen available. Thank you for sharing.
It’s such an easy version of traditional shepherd’s pie. Hopefully it’s a great meal to make in your new kitchen!
This is an interesting way to cook meat! It’s easy and includes fresh vegetables as well.
It’s definitely different than traditional shepherd’s pie, but it’s still delicious and much easier to make!
I love this idea. so much better it being upside down. Looks better and better to eat too xx
I’ve had it both ways, and I prefer it upside down both when it comes to cooking and eating it!
I miss eating shepherd’s pie! My mom made this a lot when I was a kid! I will try to make it this year!
It’s amazing that food can bring back so many memories. I hope you get a chance to make it soon!
Shepard’s pie is the ultimate comfort food!! So yum!! Definitely need to make for the family after we get home from our thanksgiving holiday
It would be perfect for the cooler month of December and great comfort food after all festivities.