Easy Shepherd's Pie
This Easy Shepherd's Pie is pure comfort food. Layers of savory meat and veggies topped with buttery mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection.
Recipe inspired by wholesome dish
Shepherd's Pie (a classic you'll revisit over and over again)
Shepherd's Pie is one of those timeless family favorites that never go out of style. It's hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for leftovers. This recipe is also a great way to use up ingredients from a holiday meal-think leftover mashed potatoes, vegetables, or other side dishes that pair well together. With simple steps and classic flavors, you'll have a comforting, homemade dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cottage Pie vs Shepherd's Pie
You've probably heard Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie used interchangeably and honestly, they're almost the same! The main difference comes down to the meat: Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb (although we use beef), while Cottage Pie uses beef. Everything else is nearly identical; hearty vegetables, rich gravy, and a golden mashed potato topping. No matter what you call it, it's classic comfort food and it's delicious.
What You'll Need
Meat filling:
- Ground beef- We use lean ground beef.
- Onions
- Garlic
- Frozen veggies like peas and carrots
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Red wine or use more beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Flour to help thicken the sauce
- Pantry seasonings
Mashed Potatoes:
- Yukon gold potatoes offer a silky creamy texture
- Butter
- Half and half
- Italian cheese
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Shepherd's Pie
- Cook potatoes in boiling water until fork tender, drain and set aside.
- Make meat filling by cooking beef, onions and garlic, then combine with seasonings, Worcestershire, tomato paste and flour.
- Stir in beef broth and red wine. Warm through then pull off the heat.
- Mash potatoes with butter, half and half, salt and pepper until creamy, then stir in cheese.
- Layer meat mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake until bubbling and light golden brown on top.
Ang's Helpful Tips
- You don't want a soupy meat filling. Give the meat mixture time to simmer and thicken in the pan before transferring to the baking dish.
- Rest shepherd's pie after baking to ensure it holds together when serving.
- Red wine adds depth and richness but you can also use all beef broth.
- Don't overwork the potatoes as they can become gummy. You want fluffy, creamy taters.
Try These Variations
- Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie: Substitute lentils or mushrooms for the meat.
- Sweet Potato Topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a nutrient boost.
- Low-Carb Version: Top with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Easy Shepherd's Pie
Equipment
- medium pot
- large skillet
- 9 × 9 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup red wine, such as merlot or cabernet or use beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots or use your favorite frozen veggie blend
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced in 1 inch cubes, about 4 cups
- ¼ cup butter
- ⅓ cup half and half or milk
- ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
- ⅓ cup Italian cheese blend
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400℉ and grease 9 × 9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Add potatoes to a medium pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and crumble ground beef until no longer pink. Remove any excess grease, then add onions and garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes.
- Next stir in Worcestershire and all the seasonings for the meat mixture, then add tomato paste and flour. Continue to cook 30-seconds to cook the flour and make sure the tomato paste is incorporated.
- Pour in beef broth, red wine, peas and carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Mash potatoes with butter, half and half, salt and pepper until smooth, then stir in cheese.
- Assemble pie by spreading meat mixture in prepare baking dish then top with mashed potatoes. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until bubbling and the top is light golden brown. Allow to rest 10-minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
More Comforting Recipes You'll Love
For a lighter Shepherd's Pie try my Healthy Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie and these next 4 comforting recipes: The Best Tater Tot Casserole, Hungry Jack Casserole, Irish Beef Stew Over Mashed Potatoes, and Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
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