Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food recipe. It is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, seasoning and then topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a classic recipe. It just screams comfort food. Shepherd’s Pie is easily made with ground beef, frozen vegetables and simple seasoning in about 20 minutes. Then is topped with homemade mashed potatoes.

This casserole is perfectly layered with amazing ingredients and every spoonful is loaded with all in one bite.

We make this recipe often as we use what we have on hand. Even your pickiest eater will love this recipe. In just 30 minutes you can have dinner done and it is great to prepare ahead of time.

What is real Shepherd’s Pie Made of?

Shepherd’s Pie originated from the United Kingdom. It is naturally gluten free. It is traditionally made of cooked minced meat and then topped with mashed potatoes. The meat can consist of ground lamb or beef and then added ingredients of onions and gravy.

Adding vegetables to the meat mixture and topping the potatoes with cheese has now become a common ingredients.

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie was originally brought to life to use up leftover roast. But now Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground beef which is an easy method. It is rich in flavored and easy ingredients.

We start by preparing the meat layer and then the mashed potatoes. Then layering it in a casserole dish to make the ultimate casserole recipe.

Ingredients: 

For the Beef Mixture: 

• Ground Beef 
• White Onion, diced into smaller pieces 
• Frozen Peas and Carrots 
• Frozen Corn 
• Tomato Paste 
• Flour 
• Minced Garlic 
• Onion Powder
• Salt 
• Pepper 
• Dried Rosemary Leaves 
• Dried Thyme Leaves 
• Beef Broth – You can also use Red Wine or Chicken Broth.
• Worcestershire sauce 

For the Mashed Potatoes: 

• Large Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Butter 
• Milk 
• Salt 
• Pepper 

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie: 

Prepare the Meat Mixture: 

• Prepare the Oven – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
• Cook the Meat – Then in a large skillet, add the ground beef and add the onion.  Brown the ground beef on medium high heat and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.  Cook until the beef is browned (approximately 5-6 minutes).  
• Drain the Meat – Drain off any excess grease. 
• Add in Garlic – Then add in the minced garlic.  Cook for 1 minute.  

• Mix in Flour and Tomato Paste – Then stir in the flour and tomato paste.  Stir well until these ingredients are well combined with the beef mixture. 
• Add in Remaining Ingredients – Next add in the broth, frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, Rosemary and thyme.  
• Boil – Bring this mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low to simmer for about 5 minutes.  

Prepare the Mashed Potato: 

• Cook the Potatoes until soft – Place the potatoes in al large pot with and cover them with cold water.  Bring the water to a boil, reduce temperature to low to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. 
• Drain and place back in pot – Drain the potatoes and then return to the potatoes to the hot pot.  
• Mash Potatoes – Then add in the ½ cup of butter, milk, salt and pepper. Use an electric mixer to blend the potatoes until they are light and fluffy or use a hand masher to mash them to the consistency that you prefer.

Then Prepare the Casserole: 

• Layer the Meat Mixture – Spread the meat mixture on the bottom of the 9X13 baking dish.  
• Layer the Potatoes on the Meat – Then spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread it to make an even layer on top of the casserole.  
• Bake Casserole – Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is cooked through and the top is slightly brown.  
• Broil to Brown the Top – You can broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the top of the potatoes if you prefer. 
• Serve and Enjoy – Then let the casserole set for 10-15 minutes.  

The Best Mashed Potatoes for Shepherd’s Pie:

Make sure that the mashed potatoes are hot when spread as they spread more evenly when they are hot.  Here are some of our easy Mashed Potato Recipes:

• Crock Pot Mashed Potato Recipe
• Instant Pot Mashed Potato Recipe
• The Best Homemade Mashed Potato Recipe

How to Assemble a Shepherd’s Pie:

The best way to assemble a Shepherd’s Pie is work ahead. The layers consist of meat and mashed potatoes all placed in a casserole dish. The best part of this casserole recipe is that all the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time or using leftovers.

You begin by placing the cooked meat mixture in the bottom of the casserole dish. Then evenly spread the cooked hot mashed potatoes on top. You can also top the casserole with cheese if you prefer.

Then bake until casserole is golden brown.

What is the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

There isn’t much of a difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie. It all comes down to the meat that is used. You may even hear Shepherd’s Pie being called Cottage Pie because it is traditionally served with ground beef.

Variation for the Shepherd’s Pie:

• Top with Biscuit – Try using canned biscuits on top instead of mashed potatoes.
• Change the Meat – Instead of using ground beef, use ground chicken or ground turkey.
• Tator Tots – Tater Tots are delicious if you need a quick substitute for mashed potatoes.
• Use Sweet Potatoes – You can use sweet potato instead of regular on top.
• Change the Vegetables – If you don’t have frozen peas or carrots, you can use green beans or whatever you have on hand.

Can I use Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

If you have made to many mashed potatoes, then this is the perfect meal to use them in. You will need about 4 cups of leftover mashed potatoes to cover the top of the casserole.

All you have to do is prepare the meat mixture and begin layer the meat in the casserole dish. Then top with your leftover mashed potatoes and bake.

What to serve with Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie already filled with hearty ingredients. We like to serve simple sides with this casserole dish. Here are some of our favorites.

• Side Salad
• Green Beans
• Brussel Sprouts
• French Bread

How to Store Leftovers:

Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 4-5 days. Store in a air tight microwave container. This way it is easy to heat up in the microwave.

Can you Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

Easy Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect make ahead meal. You can prepare the casserole the night before or freeze for later. To freeze Shepherd’s Pie cover with plastic wrap and foil. Shepherd’s Pie is good frozen up to month.

You can even cook Shepherd’s Pie frozen, it will just take longer to heat up.

Print Recipe here for Easy Shepherd’s Pie:

More Easy Casserole Recipe:

• Easy Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe
• Doritos Casserole Recipe
• Crock Pot Tator Tot Casserole Recipe