Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Introduction

This comforting Shepherd’s Pie is a classic dish that combines rich ground beef and tender vegetables under a creamy, golden mashed potato topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small potato, thinly sliced (optional layer inside)
• 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped (for topping)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for topping)
• 1/2 cup milk (for topping)
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot; cook until softened.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and flour, mixing well to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour in beef broth, add frozen peas, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Step 5: If using, layer thin potato slices over the meat mixture for added texture.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
7. Step 7: Drain the potatoes, then mash with butter and warm milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
9. Step 9: Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes and use a fork to create texture on the surface.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
11. Step 11: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat filling.
• Swap ground beef for ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie experience.
• Mix in some shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the pie for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses flour to thicken the filling, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting homemade Shepherd’s Pie features a rich ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Layered and baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a hearty dish perfect for warming the soul and satisfying the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the filling:

• 500g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small potato, thinly sliced (optional layer inside)

For the mashed potato topping:

• 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot, cooking until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in tomato paste and flour thoroughly. Pour in beef broth, then add frozen peas, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Optionally, layer thin potato slices over the meat filling for added texture.
2. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the cooked meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly and using a fork to create texture on the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
• The thin potato slices layered inside the filling are optional but add extra texture and heartiness.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie.
• Adjust herbs and seasoning according to preference; fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
• Ensure mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy to prevent dryness after baking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, homemade, ground beef, mashed potatoes, comfort food, baked casserole, British cuisine