Classic Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting, hearty dish made with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, baked to perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Comfort Food – Everything bakes in one dish for easy cleanup.
✔ Rich & Flavorful – A savory beef filling topped with creamy, golden-baked potatoes.
✔ Family Favorite – Perfect for cozy dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy crust)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
1. Brown the beef – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the aromatics – Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion softens.
3. Add the veggies & seasonings – Stir in frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
1. Transfer the beef mixture to the greased baking dish.
2. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing with a spatula.
3. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes for a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie
✔ For Extra Creamy Potatoes – Mix in butter and heavy cream when making mashed potatoes.
✔ Thicker Filling? – Stir in 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch while simmering the beef mixture.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Variations to Try
🔹 Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Swap ground turkey for beef.
🔹 Loaded Cheesy Topping – Mix Parmesan and cheddar into the mashed potatoes.
🔹 Sweet Potato Twist – Replace mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory touch.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie
✔ Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich filling.
✔ Simple Side Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast.
✔ Steamed Green Beans – A classic, light side.
This Shepherd’s Pie is warm, filling, and incredibly easy to make—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Would you try this for dinner?