Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Can be substituted with vegetable oil)
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (Or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 large Onion (Or substitute with shallots)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced or garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, omit for milder taste)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce can be used as a substitute)
- 1 packet Onion Soup Mix (Or use beef bouillon and spices)
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth (Vegetable broth can be used)
- 2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Fresh vegetables chopped finely work well)
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 pounds Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets; sweet potatoes for a twist)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Or margarine)
- 1/2 cup Milk (Or cream or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Cheddar can substitute)
- Fresh Parsley, to taste (Optional)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes into a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready for mashing.
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, and low-sodium beef broth. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the meat mixture and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat to prepare for the mashed potato topping.
- Preheat Oven: While the meat mixture cools slightly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add softened butter, milk, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and white pepper. Mash everything until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Dish: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture in the skillet. Use a fork to create texture on the surface which helps achieve a golden, crisp crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy. Enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth.
- Using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes adds a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients.
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots based on preference or availability.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking and Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Low Salt
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
