Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s both delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly? This Skinny Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect choice! It’s a satisfying dish that the whole family will love, but with a few simple tweaks to make it lighter without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a filling, low-point meal, this is the perfect comfort food to add to your recipe rotation.

Packed with lean ground beef (or turkey), fresh veggies, and a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, this version of shepherd’s pie is just as hearty and flavorful as the traditional version. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, and it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients:

  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans (or 2 cups thawed no-starchy mixed vegetables)
  • 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
  • 20 oz refrigerated mashed potatoes (or use homemade real mashed potatoes)
  • 12 oz 96% lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • ¾ cup light cheddar cheese (or Trader Joe’s 3 Lite Cheese Blend)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ground beef: Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Drain the green beans or thawed mixed vegetables, and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  4. Make the meat mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the tomato soup. Stir until well-combined. Then, pour the mixture over the veggies in the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the top.
  5. Top with mashed potatoes: Microwave the refrigerated mashed potatoes (or your homemade mashed potatoes) for 2 minutes to soften. Remove from the microwave, and top the meat mixture with mashed potatoes, starting at the edges and working your way around to seal in the meat. You want the mashed potatoes to cover the meat mixture completely.
  6. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the light cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-22 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is slightly golden.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let the shepherd’s pie sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting layers of veggies, lean meat, mashed potatoes, and melty cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Skinny Shepherd’s Pie:

  • Lower in Points: This recipe is a lighter take on traditional shepherd’s pie without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for Weight Watchers.
  • Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty, filling meal that everyone will love, even the pickiest eaters.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 42 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without all the hassle.
  • Customizable: You can swap out ground turkey for ground beef or use frozen veggies to make it even easier.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbs: 19g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Weight Watchers Points: 5 Smart Points (per serving)