When it comes to wholesome, heartwarming meals that never go out of style, Shepherd’s Pie is at the top of the list. This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a true comfort food classic made with rich ground beef, buttery mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables baked together in one satisfying dish. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy weekend meal, it’s a simple, one dish recipe that delivers layers of flavor with minimal fuss.

I’ve always loved how this dish brings together simple, affordable ingredients and transforms them into something that feels both indulgent and nourishing. This version is straightforward, without complicated steps or hard to find components. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen just basic pantry and fridge staples like potatoes, onion, ground beef, butter, and mixed vegetables. That’s what makes this meal such a reliable go to for busy weeknights.

The preparation starts with boiling potatoes until fork tender, ready to be transformed into creamy mashed potatoes using a generous amount of butter and a bit of salt and pepper. While those potatoes cook away, you sauté onions and your favorite combination of vegetables peas, corn, carrots until softened and fragrant. Then comes the savory star of the show: the seasoned ground beef. Cooked until no longer pink and infused with a touch of Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, it forms a flavorful base layer that balances the rich and fluffy potatoes on top.

What really makes this dish special is the finishing touch in the oven. Once the layers are assembled in your casserole dish, a short bake at high heat allows the mashed potato topping to crisp up in spots, forming a golden brown crust. You can even run it under the broiler for a minute or two for extra color and texture just be cautious if you’re using glass bakeware.

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or warm dinner rolls. The leftovers (if you’re lucky to have any) reheat wonderfully and make for a delicious lunch the next day.

Notes & Tips:

• Add extra veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix with what you have on hand green beans, chopped spinach, or mushrooms all work well.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the meat and potato layers in advance and assemble the pie just before baking.
• Mash matters: For fluffier mashed potatoes, use a ricer or potato masher. Avoid using a blender or food processor, which can make them gluey.
• Choose the right dish: Ceramic or metal baking dishes are best if you plan to broil at the end avoid glass under direct high heat.
• Flavor boost: Add garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a dash of paprika for a personalized flavor profile.

This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe isn’t just a meal it’s a memory maker. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this dish hits all the right notes. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in kitchens across the world.

Easy Shepherd’s Pie

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Uncategorized

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

A comforting, classic dish with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or cold nights.

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes (about 1.5 to 2 pounds), peeled and quartered

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• 4 tablespoons butter (for mashing)

• 4 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)

• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)

• 1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, carrots)

• 1 ½ pounds ground round beef

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

• Boil Potatoes: Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and add salt. Boil until tender (around 20 mins), then drain and mash with 4 tbsp butter, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
• Cook Vegetables: Melt 4 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 6–10 minutes. Add carrots with onions; peas and corn can be added later.
• Add Ground Beef: Stir in beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let simmer on low for 10 minutes.
• Layer the Dish: Spread the beef and vegetable filling in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and rough up the surface with a fork.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. For extra browning, broil the top for 2 to 3 minutes (avoid using glassware under broiler).

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