Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Warm and hearty, the Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a timeless dish that satisfies every craving. This comforting favorite combines seasoned ground meat, savory vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes into a delightful casserole.

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A perfect combination of textures and flavors, this dish shines with a luscious gravy and golden potato topping. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, Shepherd’s Pie always delivers comfort in every bite.

Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Shepherd’s Pie

Meat Filling Essentials

• Ground beef or lamb – The heart of the dish, adding rich, meaty flavor.
• Yellow onion – Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the savory meat.
• Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) – Infuse the filling with aromatic depth.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and enhances the richness of the gravy.
• Tomato paste – A touch of acidity and sweetness to round out the flavors.
• Beef broth – Creates a luxurious, flavorful gravy to tie everything together.
• Peas, carrots, and corn – Classic veggies for a burst of color and texture.

Creamy Potato Topping

• Russet potatoes – The ideal choice for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the mash.
• Parmesan cheese – A cheesy kick that browns beautifully when baked.
• Garlic powder – Subtle garlic notes for added depth.

Steps to Create Shepherd’s Pie Perfection

Crafting the Savory Base

Start by browning your meat and onion, seasoning it with herbs and spices for layers of flavor. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to deepen the taste before stirring in beef broth. Finally, fold in the veggies and let the filling simmer into a luscious, hearty mixture.

Perfecting the Mashed Potato Crown

Boil peeled russet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them with butter, half & half, and seasonings. Stir in parmesan for a velvety finish. The result? Creamy mashed potatoes that hold their form when baked.

Assembling and Baking

Layer the meat filling in a baking dish and top it with mashed potatoes. Smooth the surface with a spatula and bake until golden and bubbling. Let it rest before serving for the perfect slice.

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Recipe Tips for Success

For a crispier topping, use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potatoes before baking. Want a bit of extra flavor? Sprinkle cheddar cheese or paprika on top before popping it in the oven.

To save time, make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat slightly before assembling to ensure even cooking.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Shepherd’s Pie stores beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly, then bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 20 minutes to the cook time.

Enjoy the unmatched comfort and flavor of this Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie, a true family favorite!

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

The quintessential Shepherd’s Pie (also known as Cottage Pie) pairs seasoned ground beef or lamb with hearty vegetables in a luscious gravy. This comforting dish is crowned with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Meat Filling:

• 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots*
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

Potato Topping:

• 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
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Filling:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sprinkle in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat browns. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional minute. Mix in the tomato paste and flour until fully blended. Stir in beef broth, peas, carrots, and corn, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and preheat the oven to 400°F.

Prepare the Potato Topping:

• Place the potato cubes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain using a colander and return the potatoes to the hot pot, allowing them to rest for 1 minute to remove excess moisture. Mash the potatoes with butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

Assemble and Bake:

• Transfer the meat filling into a 9×9-inch or 7×11-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them into an even layer. If the dish is very full, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes at 400°F. Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For substitutions, use ½ cup each of frozen peas and frozen sliced carrots if mixed peas and carrots are unavailable.
• To save time, preheat the oven immediately after finishing the meat mixture.