Easy Beef Shepherd’s Pie with Idahoan Mashed Potatoes (Weeknight Favorite!)

Looking for a comforting, hearty dinner that tastes homemade but comes together fast? This easy beef shepherd’s pie made with Idahoan mashed potatoes is a total weeknight winner.

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for meals that are:

• Quick to throw together

• Kid-approved

• Full of flavor — without the hassle

This shepherd’s pie checks all the boxes. By using Idahoan mashed potatoes, you skip the time-consuming peeling and boiling but still get that creamy, buttery top layer everyone loves.

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Traditional shepherd’s pie is a savory casserole made with a layer of ground meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It's cozy, filling, and the ultimate comfort food — but classic versions can take over an hour.

My shortcut version keeps all the flavor with half the effort.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

3. Stir in vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything’s combined and heated through.

4. Transfer the beef mixture to a small baking dish.

5. Spread the prepared Idahoan mashed potatoes evenly over the top.

6. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.

7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-diced frozen onions to save chopping time.

• Prep the beef mixture the night before and just assemble and bake when ready to eat.

• Want to make it vegetarian? Sub the beef for cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat!

Mom-Tested, Kid-Approved

I’ve made this shepherd’s pie on nights when I’ve had zero energy left — and it still gets clean plates from the whole family. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the Idahoan mashed potatoes give it that real “homemade” flavor in minutes.

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Easy Beef Shepherd’s Pie with Instant Mashed Potatoes

Yield 4-6

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

10 Min

Cook time

21 Min

Total time

31 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 pouch Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1–1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Olive oil or spray oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish with olive oil or spray oil.
2. In a bowl, combine the Idahoan mashed potatoes with 3/4 cup hot water. Stir until smooth and let sit to thicken while you prep the filling.
3. In a skillet, heat a little oil and sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until fully browned.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until heated through.
7. Spread the meat and veggie mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
8. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the top, gently spreading them to the edges.
9. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
10. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
11. For a golden, crispy top, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes — keep an eye on it!
12. Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Make it ahead and store in the fridge — it reheats beautifully.
• The broiler step adds that golden finish that looks great on the plate.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

426

Fat

31 g

Sat. Fat

12 g

Carbs

11 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

9 g

Sugar

2 g

Protein

25 g

Sodium

347 mg

Cholesterol

95 mg

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