Upside-Down Shepherd’s Pie 

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. 

Serves 4 (adult servings) 

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cook time: 25 minutes 

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; 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.

Per adult serving made with 2% milk, salted butter and Lean Ground Beef: 410 Calories, 27 g Protein, 18 g Fat, 36 g Carbohydrate, 620 mg Sodium 

%DV: Iron 19% (Good Source), Zinc 55% (Excellent Source), Vitamin B12 94% (Excellent Source)   

Baby/Toddler Fast Adapt 

Guiding principles 

• 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

Puréed Texture 

Combine ¼ 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; blend for about 1 minute or until you reach a consistency that suits your baby, adding water, breastmilk or formula if necessary. 

 Chunky Mash 

Combine ¼ 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 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. Offer utensils. You can also let your toddler serve themselves with a little help from a caregiver. 

Sponsored by: Canada Beef