Are you looking for a comfort food recipe that you can have on the table in just 40 minutes?
This is your lucky day, because here you can find the best shepherd's pie recipe ever.
Starting with a flavorful and hearty ground beef filling and finished with creamy and indulgent mashed potatoes, this is one meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. So get ready to follow along as we take you through the tips and tricks to creating this deliciously fulfilling homemade shepherd's pie.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
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Why This Recipe Works
This traditional comfort food recipe works for a number of reasons.
For starters, this is a hearty and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 1 hour. So even if you don't think you have the time to prepare this comfort food classic, 40 minutes is all it takes to create this delicious, and nutritious meal.
Additionally, you will love how simple this recipe is to adapt. Whether you want to make a vegan shepherd's pie or shake things up with some creative seasoning options, this easy shepherd's pie recipe gives you room to experiment with your ingredients.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
For the best shepherd's pie, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties yield fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes when cooked, creating a luxurious topping for the dish.
Onion:
The onion steeps the ground beef in an aromatic flavor while it browns. You could also choose to add minced garlic one minute before you add the beef to further infuse it while it cooks.
Ground Beef:
While a classic shepherd's pie recipe typically calls for ground beef, several other protein substitutes can be used instead. Ground lamb is a traditional alternative, while ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter option. For a vegetarian or vegan shepherd's pie, lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute are excellent alternatives
Seasonings:
When it comes to seasoning your shepherd's pie, the most important options are salt and pepper. For a flavorful and tender beef filling, generously season your beef with salt and pepper. You can also season your homemade shepherd's pie with a combination of your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, or cayenne.
Worcestershire Sauce:
Worcestershire sauce is another ingredient typically found in a traditional shepherd's pie recipe. However, if you want to omit it, alternatives like soy sauce and tamari sauce can be used in its place.
Flour:
All-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent in the beef mixture; however, cornstarch can also be used.
Beef Broth:
Beef broth is used to add flavor and richness to the ground beef mixture in this classic shepherd's pie recipe. If beef broth isn't available, you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use chicken broth or mushroom broth for added depth, depending on your dietary preferences.
Mixed Vegetables:
This easy shepherd's pie recipe uses frozen mixed vegetables to save time and effort in the kitchen. However, you can also use fresh chopped veggies such as peas, beans, and carrots. If you choose to use fresh, keep in mind that they will need more time to cook, so they should be added to the skillet before the meat, allowing them ample time to soften.
Butter:
Butter is used in mashed potatoes to add richness, creaminess, and flavor. It helps achieve a smooth texture while enhancing the overall taste of the dish. For dairy alternatives, you can use margarine or vegan butter for a similar creamy texture and flavor. Alternatively, olive oil or coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free option, though they may impart a slightly different taste.
Cream:
Half-and-half cream is used because it provides a balance between milk and cream, resulting in a smoother texture and richer flavor compared to milk alone. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use a combination of coconut milk and water in equal parts to mimic the consistency of half-and-half. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free creamer or milk substitute, such as almond milk or soy milk, mixed with a little vegetable oil for richness.
Cheese:
The option to add cheese to your mashed potatoes or not is entirely up to you. If you don't like cheese or your diet doesn't permit it, simply omit it. However if you are so inclined to make your mashed potatoes cheesy, then you could add any number of cheese that melts well and provides flavors. Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, parmesan, gouda, gruyere, Monterey jack, mozzarella, vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, or any combination of these choices will give you creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes.
How to Make Homemade Shepherd's Pie
Step One:
Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes. Place them in a pot with enough water to just cover them. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce and simmer until the potatoes are tender when stabbed with a fork.
Step Two:
Once the potatoes are soft enough, strain them and set aside.
Step Three:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step Four:
Once hot, add the onions to sautee for 2-3 minutes.
Step Five:
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, stirring frequently.
Step Six:
Add ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ a teaspoon of pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and parsley to the mixture. Stir to combine.
Step Seven:
Mix in Worcestershire sauce and flour to evenly coat the beef.
Step Eight:
Stir in beef broth and frozen veggies. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the sauce thickens and the vegetables soften.
Step Nine:
Meanwhile, mash the potatoes with butter, cream, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until creamy.
Step Ten:
Fold in the cheese until melted and incorporated.
Step Eleven:
Evenly spread the ground beef mixture into a greased baking dish.
Step Twelve:
Spread a thick, even layer of the mashed potatoes on top.
Step Thirteen:
Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350F. Remove from the oven when the potatoes have a golden brown crust, and the filling is bubbling.
Step Fourteen:
Serve with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, and enjoy!
Tips
- Ensure the mashed potato layer is even to prevent uneven browning.
- For a crispy top, place the pie under a broiler for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheat well in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture.
- Allow the shepherd's pie to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle, making it easier to slice and serve.
What to Serve With Shepherd's Pie
Homemade shepherd's pie pairs deliciously with a variety of side dishes that complement its hearty flavors. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a fresh and nutritious element to the meal. A crisp garden salad tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pie. For a more indulgent option, serve warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.
FAQs
How Can I Make Shepherd's Pie Gluten-Free?
To make shepherd's pie gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the filling. Additionally, ensure that any store-bought ingredients, such as broth or Worcestershire sauce, are labeled gluten-free.
How long can leftover shepherd's pie be kept fresh?
Leftover shepherd's pie can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Shepherd's Pie?
To reheat leftover shepherd's pie, microwave individual servings or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out.
More Savory Pie Recipes
Nothing is more warming and comforting than a delicious savory pie. Today, we have cultivated a list of some of our favorite savory pie recipes to help warm your belly and your soul.
Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup white onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, and corn.
- 8 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup half & half cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup cheese shredded
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes. Place them in a pot with enough water to just cover them. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce and simmer until the potatoes are tender when stabbed with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are soft enough, strain them and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the onions to sautee for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, stirring frequently.
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ a teaspoon of pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and parsley to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce and flour to evenly coat the beef.
- Stir in beef broth and frozen veggies. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the sauce thickens and the vegetables soften.
- Meanwhile, mash the potatoes with butter, cream, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until creamy.
- Fold in the cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Evenly spread the ground beef mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread a thick, even layer of the mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350F. Remove from the oven when the potatoes have a golden brown crust, and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Ensure the mashed potato layer is even to prevent uneven browning.
- For a crispy top, place the pie under a broiler for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheat well in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture.
- Allow the shepherd's pie to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle, making it easier to slice and serve.
Great recipe thank you Corrie
I made it and it's Super delicious!