Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

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This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is classic comfort in casserole form savory, hearty, and perfect for cozy weeknights. Seasoned ground beef, tender veggies, and a rich gravy are tucked beneath a cloud of golden mashed potatoes for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s simple to make and endlessly comforting.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and the carrots begin to soften.
  7. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  8. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the top and spread them evenly with a spatula.
  9. Use a fork to create ridges or a decorative pattern in the potatoes to help them brown and crisp.
  10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, to allow the filling to set slightly.

Variation

  1. Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie: Stir 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes and sprinkle another 1/2 cup on top before baking for an extra-cheesy crust.
  2. Turkey or Chicken Pie: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use chicken broth instead of beef, and season generously to keep it flavorful.
  3. Loaded Veggie Pie: Add extra diced vegetables such as celery, corn, or green beans, and use low-sodium broth for a lighter, veggie-forward version.

Cooking Notes

  1. If your filling isn’t thick enough, simmer it a few extra minutes; it should be saucy but not soupy before going into the baking dish.
  2. For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. To prevent the potatoes from sinking, let the beef mixture cool for a few minutes before topping with mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the pie.
  2. Add a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra gravy from the pan.
  3. Finish the meal with a light dessert like fruit salad or yogurt parfait to keep the menu comforting but not too heavy.

Tips

  • Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store in the fridge; rewarm slightly so they spread easily over the filling.
  • Place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any bubbling overflow and keep your oven clean.
  • For a deeply golden top, broil the shepherd’s pie for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
    Yes. Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
  2. Can I freeze this recipe?
    Yes. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake until heated through and golden.
  3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?
    Absolutely. Add fresh diced veggies with the carrots and simmer until just tender before baking.
  4. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot in the center.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie brings all the cozy, classic flavors of a traditional pub favorite straight to your table with minimal fuss. Savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes bake together into a golden, bubbling casserole that’s ideal for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers. Make it once and it’s sure to become a regular in your comfort food rotation.

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Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore
Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is classic comfort in casserole form savory, hearty, and perfect for cozy weeknights. Seasoned ground beef, tender veggies, and a rich gravy are tucked beneath a cloud of golden mashed potatoes for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s simple to make and endlessly comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and the carrots begin to soften.
  7. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  8. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes over the top and spread them evenly with a spatula.
  9. Use a fork to create ridges or a decorative pattern in the potatoes to help them brown and crisp.
  10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, to allow the filling to set slightly.

Notes

  • Use leftover mashed potatoes for an even faster dinner.
  • Adjust the consistency of the filling by adding a splash more broth if it seems too thick.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the beef layer and the potatoes so the finished dish is well seasoned.
  • If using very lean beef, you may need an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness.
  • Letting the pie rest briefly after baking helps it slice more cleanly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Casserole, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: British / American-style

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 500 mg (approx.)
  • Fat: 18 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 3 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 18 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg (approx.)

Keywords: shepherd's pie, cottage pie, ground beef shepherd's pie, easy shepherd's pie, comfort food casserole, mashed potato casserole, family dinner

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