Savory Skillet Shepherd's Pie with Golden Hash Browns
Indulge in a comforting twist on a timeless classic with this Savory Skillet Shepherd's Pie. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this dish balances rich flavor and satisfying texture, making it a family favorite. Juicy ground beef or lamb is combined with tender vegetables and herbs, then topped with crispy, golden hash browns for a delightful crunch. Quick to prepare and cook, it comes together in just one skillet for minimal cleanup, ensuring more time spent with your loved ones. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen hash brown potatoes
8 cups (not the cubed type)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted, divided)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
ground beef or ground lamb
1.5 lbs
onion
1 (chopped fine)
minced fresh thyme
1.5 teaspoons
flour
1/4 cup
beef broth
2 cups
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons
frozen peas and carrots
2 cups
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your broiler by moving the oven rack to the upper-middle position.
2
2. In a large microwavable bowl, place the frozen hash brown potatoes. Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently press down to separate the shreds. Mix in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until evenly coated.
3
3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate and microwave on high for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4
4. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or lamb and chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
5
5. Sprinkle in the minced thyme and flour, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
6
6. Gradually add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
7
7. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for about 1 minute until they are heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8
8. Evenly scatter the prepared hash browns over the beef mixture, then brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter on top.
9
9. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
10
10. Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty Skillet Shepherd's Pie!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Savory Skillet Shepherd's Pie unique?
This recipe uses crispy, golden hash browns as a topping instead of the traditional mashed potatoes, providing a delightful crunch and faster preparation.
What kind of meat should I use for this recipe?
You can use 1.5 lbs of either ground beef or ground lamb, depending on your preference.
Can I use cubed hash brown potatoes?
The recipe specifically recommends 8 cups of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, not the cubed type, to achieve the desired crispy texture.
How do I prepare the hash brown topping?
Mix the frozen hash browns with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and pepper, then microwave them until tender before placing them on top of the meat.
How long do the hash browns need to be microwaved?
Microwave the hash browns on high for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they are evenly cooked and tender.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this dish is designed to be cooked in a single oven-safe skillet, which minimizes cleanup.
What vegetables are included in this Shepherd's Pie?
The recipe calls for one chopped onion and 2 cups of frozen peas and carrots.
What herb provides the primary flavor in the meat mixture?
The dish is flavored with 1.5 teaspoons of minced fresh thyme.
How is the gravy for the meat mixture thickened?
The gravy is thickened by stirring 1/4 cup of flour into the meat and onion mixture before adding the beef broth.
What is the purpose of the Worcestershire sauce?
Two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce are added to enhance the savory depth and rich flavor of the beef or lamb gravy.
Do I need to thaw the peas and carrots before adding them?
No, you can stir the frozen peas and carrots directly into the simmering gravy; they only need about a minute to heat through.
How do I get the hash browns crispy?
After spreading the hash browns over the meat, brush them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and broil for 3 to 5 minutes.
What oven setting should I use for the final step?
Use the broiler setting with the oven rack in the upper-middle position to crisp the potato topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, the recipe uses 1.5 lbs of meat and 8 cups of potatoes, making it a hearty meal for a family.
Can I use dried thyme if I don't have fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried thyme, but use about 1/2 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
What type of skillet should I use?
An oven-safe skillet is required because the dish starts on the stovetop and finishes under the broiler.
How do I prevent the potatoes from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the skillet while it is under the broiler, as the transition from golden to burnt can happen quickly within the 3 to 5-minute window.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare and cook, making it an ideal choice for a comforting but fast dinner.
How much beef broth is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of beef broth to create the gravy base.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after cooking the ground meat and onions to ensure the gravy isn't too greasy.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 4 tablespoons of butter in total, melted and divided into two portions.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
While beef broth provides the best flavor for this dish, you can substitute vegetable broth if necessary.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be simmered until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency, which usually takes 6 to 8 minutes.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of savory meat, familiar vegetables, and crispy potatoes is generally a hit with children and picky eaters.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you can easily add mushrooms, corn, or green beans to the meat mixture along with the peas and carrots.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The onions should be cooked with the meat for about 5 minutes until they are translucent.
What is the best way to separate the frozen hash brown shreds?
Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press down and separate the frozen shreds in a microwaveable bowl.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering the gravy?
No, simmer the gravy uncovered so that it can reduce and thicken properly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat mixture in advance, but for the best texture, add and broil the hash brown topping just before serving.