Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy, filling meal that combines all the best flavors of comfort food. The savory beef and vegetable filling is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, making it rich and flavorful. The mashed potatoes on top are creamy and buttery, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this Shepherd’s Pie will be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 3 large (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as diced carrots, corn, or peas
- 1 1/2 pounds ground round beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pepper and/or other seasonings of choice
Directions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: In a large pot, add the quartered potatoes and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 6 tablespoons of butter and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside.
- Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious comfort meal on its own or with a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
- Ground lamb: For a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie, use ground lamb instead of beef. This will give the dish a more distinct flavor.
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead of beef. Swap the butter with a vegan alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Different vegetables: You can use any mix of vegetables such as peas, green beans, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes for a twist on the traditional recipe.
- Cheesy topping: Add shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for a cheesy crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the Shepherd’s Pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings.
FAQs
1. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and cook as directed.
2. Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. Once it’s assembled, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of potato for the mashed potatoes?
You can use any type of potato you prefer, but russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and will create a fluffy mashed potato topping. Yukon golds work well for a creamier texture.
4. Can I make this Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t use any wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure the beef broth is gluten-free, or use a gluten-free alternative.
5. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the beef mixture.
6. How do I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
For creamier mashed potatoes, add a bit more butter or some milk or cream when mashing the potatoes. This will give the potatoes a richer texture.
7. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie without Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
8. How can I make the mashed potatoes more flavorful?
To add more flavor to the mashed potatoes, consider adding roasted garlic, grated cheese, or fresh herbs like chives or rosemary.
9. Can I add a crust to the top of the Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, for a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
10. How do I know when Shepherd’s Pie is done?
The Shepherd’s Pie is done when the mashed potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on top, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Conclusion
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a classic, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up. With its savory beef and vegetable filling and creamy mashed potatoes on top, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner. The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or meal prepping for the week, this Shepherd’s Pie is a crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a savory beef filling, mixed vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and full of hearty flavors, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 3 large (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 to 2 cups mixed vegetables (diced carrots, corn, or peas)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground round beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pepper and/or other seasonings of choice
Instructions
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Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place quartered potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add 6 tablespoons butter and mash until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then set aside.
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Cook the beef filling: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
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Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in mixed vegetables, cooking for 5 minutes. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or any additional seasonings.
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Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and smooth with a spatula. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy on its own or with a side salad.
Notes
- Ground lamb: For a traditional version, use ground lamb instead of beef.
- Vegan version: Substitute lentils or plant-based ground meat, use vegetable broth, and swap butter for a vegan alternative.
- Different vegetables: Feel free to add peas, green beans, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Cheesy topping: Add shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
