Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty dish layered with seasoned meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked to golden perfection. Originating in the British Isles, it’s a time-tested favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a potluck, Shepherd’s Pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
This dish combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it perfect for any occasion. With a filling of ground beef or lamb, vibrant veggies, and a savory gravy, it’s a balanced meal baked in one dish. Plus, the crispy potato topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready to create your own? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Shepherd’s Pie
- Comfort in Every Bite – It’s warm, hearty, and filling—perfect for chilly nights or cozy dinners.
- One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and simple preparation in just one skillet or Dutch oven.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Customizable Ingredients – Adapt it for dietary preferences by swapping meats, veggies, or seasonings.
- Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike for its rich flavors and cheesy potato topping.
What You Need To Make Shepherd’s Pie
You’ll need a combination of meat, vegetables, gravy ingredients, and mashed potato topping to create this recipe. The detailed ingredient amounts are available in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Ground Meat: Typically beef or lamb for rich flavor.
- Vegetables: A mix of onions, carrots, celery, peas, and garlic for depth and texture.
- Gravy Base: Red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings to create a savory sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with cheese for a golden-baked finish.
How To Make Shepherd’s Pie
1
Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Brown the ground meat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened.
2
Season and Create the Gravy: Stir in flour, paprika, and tomato paste, letting the flavors combine. Deglaze with red wine or extra broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
3
Simmer with Broth and Herbs: Add beef broth, fresh herbs, peas, and beef bouillon, simmering until the mixture thickens.
4
Transfer and Cool: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and let it cool slightly before topping with mashed potatoes.
5
Add Toppings and Bake: Smooth the mashed potatoes over the filling, criss-cross with a fork for texture, and sprinkle cheese and parsley on top. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Commonly Asked Questions
What type of meat works best for Shepherd’s Pie?
Traditionally, lamb is used, but ground beef is a popular and affordable alternative. You can also try turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions.
Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What side dishes pair well with Shepherd’s Pie?
A fresh green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread complement the rich flavors perfectly.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Favorite
Ingredients
Meat & Veggies
- 1 lb ground beef 100% grass-fed
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 onions diced
- 4 celery stalks diced
- 4 carrots diced
- 1 bunch green onions diced
- Garlic minced
Gravy
- 2/3 cup red wine blend
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp beef Better than Bouillon
- Frozen peas
- Fresh thyme finely chopped
- Fresh bay leaves finely chopped
- Fresh rosemary finely chopped
- S&P Salt & Pepper
- Paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- McCormick Garlic & Herb seasoning
- Badia complete seasoning
Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the ground meat, then add chopped veggies and cook until softened.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, and flour. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook until it smells roasted. Pour in red wine (or extra beef broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in beef broth, herbs, peas, and beef bouillon. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until combined. Transfer the mixture to a 7×11 baking dish and let it cool slightly.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern for texture. Sprinkle cheese and parsley on top.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy!
