Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: A Hearty, Comforting Classic

What’s not to love about a dish that wraps meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes in one cozy bake?
Easy Shepherd’s Pie has been warming hearts since the 18th century, when thrifty cooks in the UK found the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something magical.

🥕 Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 240 ml (1 cup) beef broth
• 150 g (1 cup) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 600 g (about 4 cups) mashed potatoes (prepared or leftover)
• 60 ml (¼ cup) milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 50 g (½ cup) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

🔄 Substitutions:

• Vegetarian: Swap ground meat for lentils or plant-based mince
• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil and plant-based milk in the mash
• Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with mashed cauliflower

⏱ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Pro Tip: Stir frequently to avoid browning the garlic.

2- Brown the meat: Add ground beef or lamb. Cook until no longer pink and beginning to crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.Brown the meat: Add ground beef or lamb. Cook until no longer pink and beginning to crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

3- Build flavor: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.

3- Thicken the filling: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).

5- Add veggies: Mix in frozen vegetables and simmer for another 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6- Prepare topping: If not already made, mash boiled potatoes with butter and milk until smooth.

7- Assemble: Transfer the meat filling into a 9-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheese, if using.

8- Bake: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until topping is golden and filling bubbles at the edges.
Pro Tip: For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

9- Cool slightly & serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

• For extra golden topping, drag a fork across the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Want more veg? Add diced mushrooms or zucchini.
• Use leftover pot roast instead of ground meat for a richer flavor.
• Add a dash of red wine to the filling for depth (just 1–2 tbsp).

🥗 Nutritional Info (per serving)

• Calories: 460
• Fat: 23g
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 25g

🔍 Why This Recipe Works

• Layered texture: Crisp top, creamy mash, juicy meat = the perfect bite
• Simmered gravy: Thickened filling locks in moisture and flavor
• Flexible ingredients: Easy to adapt to dietary needs or leftovers