Shepherd’s Pie (Mashed Potatoes & Ground Beef): A Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Shepherd’s Pie. With a savory layer of seasoned ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this hearty casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner. It’s warm, filling, and deeply satisfying—perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday suppers, or anytime you need a meal that feels like a hug in a dish.

Though traditional Shepherd’s Pie in the UK is made with lamb, this American-inspired version uses ground beef, making it more approachable, budget-friendly, and just as delicious. With golden, buttery mashed potatoes on top and a flavorful beef-and-veggie filling underneath, it’s a dish that has stood the test of time.

I remember first making Shepherd’s Pie as a student, when I needed something affordable yet hearty to feed friends. Over the years, I’ve refined the recipe into the version I’m sharing with you today: a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie

• Hearty and filling: A complete meal in one dish.

• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

• Customizable: Swap vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep.

• Perfect comfort food: Creamy potatoes + savory beef = happiness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), peeled and cubed

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for richer potatoes)

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Beef Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (thickener)

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water.

2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.

3. Drain and return to the pot.

4. Add butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash until creamy.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

4. Stir in tomato paste and flour. Cook for 2 minutes.

5. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to form a thick sauce.

6. Add peas, corn, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

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Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread the beef filling evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread with a spatula.

4. For extra crispiness, run a fork across the potatoes to create ridges.

5. (Optional) Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

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Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

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Step 5: Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes: They create creamier mashed potatoes than russets.

• Don’t skip the tomato paste: It adds richness to the beef filling.

• Make it ahead: Assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

• Broil for extra crispiness: Broil the pie for the last 2–3 minutes for a golden crust.

• Let it rest: Waiting 5–10 minutes before serving keeps layers intact.

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What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie

While Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with:

• Bread: Garlic bread, Irish soda bread, or a crusty baguette.

• Salads: Simple green salad, Caesar salad, or cucumber salad.

• Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus.

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Recipe Variations

Cottage Pie (Classic UK Version)

Use ground lamb instead of beef for a traditional take.

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes before baking.

Low-Carb Version

Swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower.

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Use lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.

Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie

Add chili powder, black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Make-Ahead

• Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Assemble pie (uncooked) and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

Reheating

• Oven: Bake at 350°F until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power.

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Healthier Options

• Use lean ground beef or turkey.

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt in mashed potatoes.

• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling.

• Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a lower-carb version.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is it called Shepherd’s Pie?

Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb. When made with beef, it’s technically “Cottage Pie,” but in the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably.

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes—assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

How do I make the top extra crispy?

Run a fork over the mashed potatoes to create ridges, then broil at the end.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, in a pinch, but homemade mashed potatoes give the best flavor and texture.

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Conclusion: Comfort in Every Bite

This Shepherd’s Pie (Mashed Potatoes & Ground Beef) is everything you want in a comfort food classic. With creamy, buttery mashed potatoes layered over savory ground beef and vegetables, it’s a dish that warms both body and soul.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is hearty, flexible, and guaranteed to please. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the fun variations, this Shepherd’s Pie will quickly become a family favorite.

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Loved this recipe? Bookmark it for your next cozy dinner and share it with anyone who loves classic comfort food. Looking for more hearty dishes? Try our Slow Cooked Beef Stew, Spicy Beef Chili, or Creamy Mushroom Chicken next!

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