I love a skillet meal. Especially one that is simple, delicious, and dare I say “healthy” (ish). For the record, my definition of “healthy” is something that includes a balance of multiple food groups – namely proteins and greens. I keep it broad, because I have a lot of people to please… and two year olds (+ husbands) are picky. For the sake of convenience, I altered a recipe everyone in my family loves so that it can keep it’s place in our regular rotation of weeknight meals! I call it “lazy shepherd’s pie” because it is a lazy version of my skillet shepherd’s pie recipe!
What is Shepherd’s Pie?
If you’ve never tried Shepherd’s pie before, you’re missing out. I’d call it a marriage between chicken pot pie and sloppy joes – traditionally topped with a fluffy baked crust of mashed potatoes. I should preface by mentioning that my shepherd’s pie recipe filling can easily accommodate a mashed potato crust, so if you have the time and willingness to whip up a batch of potatoes to spread over the top before baking, I encourage you to do so! But for those of you who find yourselves barely able to get mac and cheese to the table on a busy weeknight, this one’s for you.
What makes this a “Lazy” Shepherd’s Pie?
What makes this meal “lazy” is the fact that it’s easy! Because while I call it “lazy” skillet shepherd’s pie, I know you are being everything but that while standing at the oven! My “lazy” skillet shepherds pie is simply a short-cut version of a family favorite that makes it quick and easy for weeknight convenience.
The simplicity comes in two forms: minimal clean up (uses only 1 pan – a skillet) and substitutes a can of Flaky Biscuit Rolls for the traditional – and time consuming – mashed potato topping. The biscuit rolls add a fluffy and buttery textured crust that in my family’s opinion is even better than the mashed potatoes! The entire recipe – start to finish – takes easily under 30 minutes and is always a crowd pleaser. In fact, it’s my husband’s favorite!
Must I use a Cast Iron Skillet?
No, but if you choose to prepare this recipe in a casserole dish instead, you will need to first prepare the filling in a skillet prior to pouring into the dish. The time it takes to cook will be the same and the meal will be just as simple, but you will have one more dish to clean at the end! And for that, I have one word: DELEGATE.
Here’s what you need for this delicious and simple weeknight dinner recipe:
- ground beef
- frozen mixed veggies
- marinara sauce
- balsamic vinegar
- Worcestershire
- soy sauce
- flaky biscuits (canned)
- milk + flour
These are the basic “must have” ingredients, but I have made this recipe free from soy sauce! I’ve also added a few ingredients to level it up a bit (some diced onion, carrots, added veggies of choice). I’m always partial to frozen veggies because I strive for convenience in cooking these days, but you can absolutely use fresh chopped veggies in lieu of frozen ones!
Alright, enough beating around the bush! Who’s ready for another delicious recipe to add to your family’s weeknight line-up? See below and don’t forget to share/pin it! (on instagram – tag me @kelsiebrownblog)!
Lazy Skillet Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 C marinara sauce
- 2 C frozen mixed veggies (broccoli, green beans, carrots, peas, corn) (or fresh)
- 2 Tbsp chopped red onion
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 C milk
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 Tube flaky biscuits (peel apart kind - Pillsbury or comparable)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- In your skillet (preferably cast iron), brown ground beef and drain excess grease.
- Add veggies, seasonings and sauces (everything except flour/milk and biscuits). Bring to a simmer and stir to combine until veggies are tender.
- Whisk flour into milk so there are no clumps. Then, stir the flour/milk mixture into the skillet to thicken the beef mixture (your filling). Simmer on low to reduce for a few minutes and add additional seasoning to taste if needed.
- Turn off heat. Open your tube of peel apart biscuits and peel 3-4 of them in half (like hamburger buns). Arrange uncooked biscuits over the top of the beef "filling" mixture.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes (until biscuits are golden and fluffy).
Nutrition
I hope you’ll give this one a try this week! I’m so confident that it will be a hit with everyone at your table. It’s a part of our weekly line-up through the winter months especially and it is such a comfort to enjoy! If you’re looking for more simple weeknight recipes, check out the recipes tab on my menu! A few of my favorites are my creamy chicken tortilla soup, broccoli cheddar mac and cheese, honey lime chicken, and turkey pot pie! I also have shared hundreds of recipes to my instagram highlights.
With love, from my table to yours!
Kelsie
[…] recipes, check out the recipes tab! A few of my favorites for my meat-lovers out there are my Lazy Shepherd’s Pie, and Skillet Turkey Pot Pie! And don’t forget to cap the night with one of my many dessert […]