beef shepherds pie recipe

Name: beef shepherds pie recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup green peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed); 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; Salt (to taste)

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This beef shepherds pie recipe is warm hearty and full of flavor. With a rich beef filling and creamy mashed potatoes on top it’s the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to make and great for family dinners or cozy nights at home.

Why We Love This

This beef shepherds pie recipe is everything you want in a cozy meal—warm, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those classic dinner ideas that never goes out of style, thanks to its comforting layers and simple ingredients.

What makes it so special?

Comfort food at its best – With creamy mashed potatoes and a rich beef filling, this dish feels like a hug in a bowl.
One-pan wonder – Everything comes together in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love the mix of seasoned ground beef and tender veggies.
Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this savory pie brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. It’s hearty, reliable, and always a hit.

Ingredients

Olive oil – Used to sauté the onions and garlic. You can substitute with vegetable oil or butter.

Onion – Adds flavor to the beef filling. Shallots can be used as a substitute.

Garlic – Brings out savory flavor in the beef mixture.

Ground beef – The main protein. You can use ground turkey or chicken if preferred.

Carrots – Adds sweetness and color. You can swap with parsnips or sweet potatoes.

Green peas – Adds texture and color. Frozen peas work well too.

Tomato paste – Adds depth to the beef mixture. Can be swapped with canned tomato sauce.

Worcestershire sauce – Adds tang and umami. Soy sauce can be used as a substitute.

Beef broth – Creates a savory filling. You can substitute with chicken broth.

Salt – Season the filling.

Black pepper – Adds mild heat and flavor.

Russet potatoes – Best for creamy mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes.

Milk – Adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes. You can use lower-fat milk if preferred.

Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the mashed potatoes. Salted butter can be used but reduce the added salt.

Instructions

Making this beef shepherd’s pie is easier than it sounds, and the result is a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the russet potatoes in a pot of water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with milk, butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in carrots, peas, and tomato paste, and cook for 2 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.

Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×9-inch dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out with a spatula. Use a spoon to create peaks for a crispy finish.

Bake and Serve
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To make sure your beef shepherd’s pie turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind. These small touches will elevate the flavor and texture, making your dish even more satisfying.

Use Russet Potatoes for the Best Topping

Russet potatoes are perfect for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content. They result in a smooth, creamy topping that bakes up golden and crispy. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t give you that fluffy texture we love.

Don’t Skip the Beef Broth

The beef broth adds rich flavor to the filling, making it more savory and juicy. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth works as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Let the Beef Filling Simmer

Let the beef and vegetable mixture simmer long enough to thicken. This will help the filling stay in place once you add the mashed potatoes on top, ensuring you don’t end up with a runny shepherd’s pie.

Create Texture on the Topping

For a beautiful, crispy top, use the back of a spoon to create little peaks in the mashed potatoes before baking. These peaks will get golden and slightly crunchy, giving your shepherd’s pie an extra layer of texture.

Make It Ahead

This recipe is great for making ahead! You can prepare the beef filling and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and bake it the next day. It also stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies into the filling—spinach, corn, or even mushrooms would work well. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the dish.

Variations

One of the best things about this beef shepherd’s pie recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking to try different flavors or cater to dietary preferences, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own. Here are a few fun variations to consider:

Swap the Beef for Ground Lamb

For a more traditional shepherd’s pie, try using ground lamb instead of beef. Lamb gives the dish a richer, slightly gamey flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. This is a great option if you’re looking to try a different twist on a classic.

Make It Vegetarian

If you’re craving a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with a mix of lentils, chopped mushrooms, and other hearty vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Cook the vegetables until tender, then season them well with your favorite herbs and spices. The mashed potatoes can stay the same, making this an easy vegetarian swap.

Add Cheese to the Mashed Potatoes

For an extra indulgent twist, mix some cheddar cheese or Parmesan into your mashed potatoes. The cheese will melt into the potatoes as they bake, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor to the topping.

Serving Suggestions

Beef shepherd’s pie is a hearty, comforting dish on its own, but there are plenty of great side dishes and drinks that can elevate your meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, here are some ideas to round out your meal.

A Simple Green Salad

Pairing your shepherd’s pie with a light, fresh green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Opt for crisp arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity in the dressing will balance out the creamy mashed potatoes and savory beef filling perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables

If you want to add some extra veggies to your meal, roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or brussels sprouts are a great choice. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a crispy texture that complements the soft, creamy topping of the shepherd’s pie.

Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette

For an indulgent side, serve your shepherd’s pie with a slice of garlic bread or a crusty baguette. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover beef filling and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

Gravy or Sauce

While the beef mixture in the shepherd’s pie is already flavorful, adding a drizzle of gravy or a rich mushroom sauce can make it even more comforting. If you want to keep things simple, a little extra beef broth on the side will work just as well.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making beef shepherd’s pie, along with answers that will help you achieve the best results:

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shepherd’s pie is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge, unbaked. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly.

What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

The key difference is the meat used. Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb, while cottage pie uses beef. However, many people refer to both as shepherd’s pie, regardless of the meat. So if you’re using beef, you’re technically making a cottage pie!

How can I make the mashed potatoes for shepherd’s pie creamier?

For creamier mashed potatoes, use unsalted butter and heavy cream or whole milk. If you want an extra smooth texture, consider using a potato ricer instead of a masher. This method eliminates lumps and results in a silky-smooth topping.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can absolutely customize the filling with other vegetables. Common additions include peas, corn, or green beans. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they blend seamlessly with the beef mixture. The more veggies, the heartier the dish!