Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting classic that combines savory ground meat and vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes on top. This recipe uses lean ground beef and a flavorful blend of herbs for a hearty meal perfect for family dinners. It’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.

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 1/2 – 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, then stir in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
4. Step 4: Add flour and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly until mixed and no tomato paste clumps remain.
5. Step 5: Pour in beef broth, then add frozen peas and carrots along with corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and set meat mixture aside. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Step 7: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Drain potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Let rest for 1 minute to evaporate remaining liquid.
9. Step 9: Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to potatoes. Mash and stir until smooth and well combined.
10. Step 10: Stir Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes until fully incorporated.
11. Step 11: Pour the meat mixture evenly into a 9×9 or 7×11 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling over. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer topping, substitute cream for half & half or add shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes.
• Use ground lamb instead of beef for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra earthiness.
• Swap frozen peas and carrots with fresh vegetables if available.
• To create a golden crust, broil the top for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the topping fluffy and avoid sogginess. Shepherd’s pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance, assemble the pie, and refrigerate it covered before baking. Bake just before serving to enjoy it fresh and hot.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar savory depth to the meat mixture.

Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory ground beef filling mixed with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and enriched with a creamy mashed potato topping that is baked to golden perfection. A comforting and hearty dish ideal for family dinners, combining traditional flavors with a satisfying texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 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

Potato Topping

• 1 1/2 – 2 lb. russet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes, 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

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Instructions

1. Make the Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
2. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or lamb to skillet and break apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until meat is browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
4. Thicken the Mixture: Mix in flour and tomato paste until fully incorporated with no clumps remaining.
5. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in beef broth, then add frozen peas and carrots along with corn kernels. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Prepare for Baking: Set the meat mixture aside. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
7. Cook Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fork tender.
8. Drain and Mash: Drain potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Let sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture. Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash thoroughly and stir until creamy.
9. Add Cheese: Stir parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes until evenly combined.
10. Assemble Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9×9 or 7×11 inch baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and carefully spread into an even layer.
11. Bake: Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet if very full to catch any spills. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
12. Cool and Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie cool for 15 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

• Using 90% lean ground beef offers a good balance between flavor and reduced fat content.
• Ground lamb can be used instead of beef for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the meat filling.
• Simmering the meat mixture thickens the sauce and allows flavors to meld.
• Be sure to mash potatoes well for a smooth, creamy topping.
• Resting the casserole before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Placing the baking dish on a rimmed sheet prevents oven spills if filling bubbles over.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Classic Recipe, Ground Beef, Mashed Potato Topping, Comfort Food, British Cuisine