Shepherd's Pie

Published: Apr 3, 2022 / Updated: Apr 18, 2022 / 57 Comments

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This classic shepherd's pie recipe has ground beef, veggies, and mashed potatoes to make the best comfort food! The rich, savory gravy is mouthwatering, and you can make this tasty and affordable meal ahead of time.

Love mashed potatoes? Try this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole.

What is shepherd's pie?

It's a baked dish that has a ground meat and vegetable filling that's topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Even though purists will say that shepherd's pie must have lamb, according to the Oxford English Dictionary shepherd's pie was historically used synonymously in the UK with the term cottage pie, and it could have either lamb or beef (or whatever meat was on hand, if any. This is the 1800s, you guys). The more you know!

Whatever you call it, this shepherd's pie recipe with ground beef is delicious. It's also actually simple and straightforward to make, and you totally shouldn't feel intimidated by it! This cozy complete meal will become a family favorite in your home since it's inexpensive and comforting and makes wonderful leftovers.

Ingredients for it

For the filling

Ground beef - we're using 90% lean. You can use lamb if you prefer.
Onion - we prefer sweet (Vidalia) onion, but yellow is great
Butter - for sautéing
Italian seasoning - it's a blend of fragrant dried herbs that comes in one convenient jar
Tomato paste - for richer flavor and hint of tomato
Flour - to thicken the sauce
Beef broth - it gives a deep savory quality
Worcestershire sauce - don't skip it! It's a fantastic way to infuse a ton of extra flavor
Frozen vegetables - peas, carrots, and corn were my pick

For the mashed potatoes

Russet potatoes - I find these are best for mashed potatoes
Heavy cream and butter - I don't recommend changing these up. It makes these potatoes perfectly luxurious!
Garlic - along with salt & pepper, fresh garlic is all you really need to season mashed potatoes

ingredients for shepherd's pie on a marble surface

Can I use fresh veggies?

Sure! Frozen veggies are great for saving time since they're already partially cooked, but if you want to use fresh vegetables, you can. Just cook them for a bit first to ensure they're soft enough. Try sautéing them with the onions.

How to make shepherd's pie

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

boiling potatoes and frying beef for shepherd's pie

Preheat your oven to 375F. Peel and quarter the potatoes and boil until tender. In a skillet, sauté the onion. Add in the ground beef and brown it.

adding seasonings to ground beef in a skillet for shepherd's pie

Stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and flour, and cook until incorporated, stirring constantly. Add in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it thicken.

making mashed potatoes for shepherd's pie

In a small saucepan, heat the cream, butter, garlic, and salt & pepper and warm it over medium heat until the butter has melted. Drain the potatoes, and add the cream mixture over top. Mash well.

adding ground beef and veggie mixture to a baking dish for shepherd's pie

Add in the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet, and cook for about 5 minutes. Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish and spread evenly with a spatula.

spreading mashed potatoes on shepherd's pie

Add the mashed potatoes over top in a uniform layer. Use a fork to rake the mashed potatoes for texture. Bake and enjoy!

Can I make shepherd's pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Simply assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to heat it up, you may need to increase the baking time since it will be cold. Try baking it covered with foil for the first 30 minutes, uncover and bake for 20 more, and then broil if desired.
If cooking from frozen, let the baking dish warm up a bit on the counter so that it doesn't break. Or use these disposable foil baking pans!

Substitutions and variations

You can use your own mashed potato recipe if you like, but we can't guarantee how it'll turn out without testing.
Sub the cream for half-and-half or milk at your discretion, but the potatoes will end up less rich and likely dry, especially after being baked.
Want a fancy touch? Swap half of the beef broth with red wine! Use a full-bodied red wine such as a cabernet sauvignon or merlot.
Try sprinkling some parmesan cheese and/or grated cheddar on top of the potato layer prior to baking for a little bit of decadence!

Tools for this recipe

I like to use a 9x13 casserole dish for this shepherd's pie.
A spatula is really handy for evenly spreading the mashed potatoes. This Le Creuset spatula is the kind I usually use.
One of my favorite skillets is this Staub 12" skillet.
This is a great potato masher that I use for many recipes.

What to serve with it

In England, HP Sauce or brown sauce is often served with shepherd's pie. It's got tomatoes and tamarind and an addictive tangy taste!
Shepherd's pie also pairs well with a side salad. Try this parmesan arugula salad or some mixed greens with this Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
It's also fantastic on its own or with a slice of crusty bread.

Leftovers and storage

It will keep just fine in an airtight container 3-4 days in the fridge.
Shepherd's pie leftovers heat really well on the stove in a small saucepan. You can also microwave until warmed through!
You can freeze it too even though we prefer the refrigerator. It might not be exactly the same as when first cooked, but it'll still taste great.

More comfort food classics

Any questions or comments? I'd be thrilled to hear from you in the comments below!

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