Easy Shepherd’s Pie

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Easy Shepherd’s Pie is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug. With a golden mashed potato crust and a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and gravy, it’s a complete meal in one dish. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe hits every craving with a rich, hearty bite.

The best part? It’s simple to make, freezer-friendly, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you call it cottage pie or shepherd’s pie (technically, shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but we’re rolling with beef here), this cozy dish is a nostalgic favorite in many homes.

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What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

While traditional shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, many modern versions use ground beef for convenience and flavor. Ground beef gives the dish a rich and familiar taste. If you’re aiming for a more classic touch, feel free to swap in lamb—just know it will have a slightly more robust flavor.

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Ingredients for the Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish. Choose 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

Vegetables: A colorful mix of peas, carrots, and corn adds sweetness and texture. You can use frozen mixed veggies to save time.

Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build flavor from the start and enhance the beef.

Tomato Paste & Worcestershire Sauce: These deepen the savory base and bring a touch of umami.

Beef Broth & Flour: Combined, they create a luscious gravy that holds the filling together.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes create the signature topping. Use homemade or store-bought to simplify prep.

Butter & Milk: Essential for smooth, rich mashed potatoes.

Salt, Pepper, and Thyme: Simple seasonings that round out the flavor without overpowering the dish.

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How To Make the Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced onion in a bit of oil until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Build the Filling

Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to coat the beef. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine, letting it cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Broth and Vegetables

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly until a thick, glossy gravy forms. Toss in the frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Simmer everything together for about 5 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.

Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If making from scratch, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth and fluffy. Season with a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the beef and vegetable filling into a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Use a fork to create ridges for a beautifully browned top.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

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Serving and Storing Easy Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty pie is best served hot straight from the oven. The crispy peaks of mashed potatoes contrast perfectly with the savory filling underneath. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness.

For storing, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the recipe stays the same!

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The oven is ideal to maintain texture. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot. For quicker reheating, the microwave works too, though the top may soften.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can! While homemade mashed potatoes offer a richer flavor, instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver and still create a delicious crust.

Do I need to cover the pie when baking?

No need to cover. Baking uncovered helps the mashed potatoes develop a golden crust and lightly crisped edges.

Can I add cheese on top?

Definitely! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or parmesan before baking adds an extra layer of flavor and a bubbly, cheesy topping.

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Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Easy Shepherd’s Pie, you’re going to love these other cozy dinners:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a creamy, cheesy twist on classic pasta night.

• Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie when you’re craving a meaty, indulgent bake.

• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a kid-friendly dinner that comes together fast.

• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a slow cooker favorite for busy weeknights.

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta when you want something rich and savory.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find later!

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you use lamb instead of beef? Add cheese on top? Let’s chat in the comments!

For more cozy and creative dinner recipes like this, head over to my Pinterest – Life with Nina.

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