Name: Classic Shepherd’s Pie: A Comfort Food Favorite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef (or ground lamb); 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots*; 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 ½ – 2 lb. russet potatoes (about 2 large), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick); 1/3 cup half & half; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction in every hearty bite. This traditional dish features a rich and savory meat filling topped with a creamy layer of buttery mashed potatoes, baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings, Shepherd’s Pie combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a delicious, filling meal.

The recipe uses lean ground beef or lamb cooked with onions, herbs, and a touch of tomato paste, all bound together with a thickened savory sauce. Mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn add color and texture to the filling. The crowning glory is the smooth mashed potato topping, flavored with garlic and parmesan cheese for extra richness and depth. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and guaranteed to please everyone around the table.

Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is approachable and versatile. It’s perfect for making ahead and reheating, making it a convenient dinner option. Plus, the leftovers often taste even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food: A hearty, warming meal that’s perfect for any season.
Balanced Flavors: Savory meat filling with fresh herbs and sweet vegetables topped with creamy potatoes.
Versatile: Use beef or lamb depending on your preference.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance and reheat with no loss in flavor.
Family Favorite: Kid-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Meat Filling:

Olive oil
Yellow onion
Ground beef or ground lamb
Dried parsley leaves
Dried rosemary leaves
Dried thyme leaves
Salt
Ground black pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic cloves
All-purpose flour
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Frozen mixed peas and carrots
Frozen corn kernels

Potato Topping:

Russet potatoes
Unsalted butter
Half & half
Garlic powder
Salt
Ground black pepper
Parmesan cheese

Variations

Vegetarian: Swap ground meat for lentils or mushrooms for a meatless version.
Different Toppings: Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for the topping.
Add Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar into the potato topping for a cheesy crust.
Extra Veggies: Add diced mushrooms or celery to the filling for more texture.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the potatoes and boil in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.

Step 3

Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned.

Step 4

Stir in dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly.

Step 6

Pour in beef broth, stirring constantly, and let simmer until thickened. Stir in frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Remove from heat.

Step 7

Drain potatoes and mash with butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 8

Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Dollop and spread the mashed potatoes over the top.

Step 9

Bake for 20–25 minutes until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Step 10

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use starchy potatoes like russets for a fluffy mash topping.
Don’t overmix the mashed potatoes; leave them a bit rustic for texture.
Use fresh herbs if available, but dried work well too.
Make sure the meat filling is thick before assembling to avoid watery pies.
Rest the pie before serving to let it set and make serving easier.

How to Serve

Serve Shepherd’s Pie hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with:

A crisp green salad
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Crusty bread or dinner rolls
A dollop of sour cream or mustard on the side

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes, but the flavor and richness will be different. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

2. Can I prepare this pie entirely ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it and refrigerate before baking, or freeze for longer storage.

3. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar work as alternatives.

4. Can I add cheese to the topping?

Yes! Parmesan is used here, but cheddar or Gruyère are great options.

5. How do I prevent the pie from being watery?

Make sure to simmer the filling until thick and don’t add too many frozen veggies without draining.

6. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Use fresh peas, carrots, and corn—adjust cooking times accordingly.

7. What’s the best way to mash potatoes for topping?

Use a potato masher or ricer for the best texture; avoid overmixing.

8. How long will leftovers keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated and 2 months frozen.

9. Can I make individual servings?

Yes, use ramekins or small baking dishes for personal pies.

10. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?

Not as written (flour is used). Substitute with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic that brings together savory meat, wholesome vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes in a deliciously satisfying dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for families or gatherings, this recipe combines traditional flavors with simple ingredients for a timeless meal. Whether you choose beef or lamb, make it ahead or cook it fresh, Shepherd’s Pie is sure to warm your heart and table.