Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is so easy, delicious, and hearty! It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish! 

 

 

The savory, juicy layer of ground beef. The tender veggies. Or the layer of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes. Who can say which is the best part?

And all of it baked to a golden brown perfection! 

This Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty meal that is all the comfort of home-cooked food in one delicious casserole!

I love that this easy ground beef shepherds pie is a full meal in one dish! Less dishes!

And feel free to tweak the recipe! Swap in ground lamb or add different veggies like green beans.

It’s perfect for any occasion! Family dinner, a potluck, or cozy nights in! Doesn’t matter!

Plus it tastes just as great the next day! So it’s perfect for leftovers too!

Easy shepherd’s pie ground beef is such a kid-friendly meal! Easily get the whole family excited about dinner.

 

 

What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is also known as Cottage Pie sometimes. 

It’s usually made with beef though it can be made with other meats too.

It’s a classic dish that’s originally from the United Kingdom. 

So it usually has a ground meat mixture. That can include veggies and gravy or sauce.

Then it’s topped with mashed potatoes and baked until the top is golden.

It’s a very comforting and filling meal!

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Shepherd’s Pie?

This easy shepherd’s pie recipe is a great thing to have up your sleeve!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the grocery store:

• Russet Potatoes: For making the fluffy mashed potato topping.
• Ground Beef: Beef filling! You can also use ground lamb for a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie.
• Yellow Onion & Carrots: The classic combo!
• Tomato Paste & Worcestershire Sauce: Together they make a really great flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling.
• Corn or Peas: Pick your color and veggie!
• Cheddar Cheese: For a cheesy layer! So good!
• Butter & Milk: To make the mashed potatoes creamy and rich.

Pro Tips:

• Peel and quarter the potatoes for even cooking.
• You don’t need any chicken broth or beef broth here. So leave them out.
• You can totally use leftover potatoes here! That’s a great idea!

 

 

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

The best shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food right?

With cooked meat, flavorful gravy, and a golden crust, here’s how to make it:

1. Boil and mash the potatoes with butter and milk.
2. Cook the ground beef with veggies, then add flour, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Layer the meat mixture with cheese in a baking dish, then top with fluffy mashed potatoes.
4. Bake until the top is golden and the meat filling is bubbling.

Pro Tips:

• For a golden brown top, use a fork to create ridges in the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Sauté the onions and carrots until they’re soft while cooking the meat.
• A potato masher usually works pretty well on the potatoes.

 

 

Is Shepherd’s Pie Traditionally Made with Lamb or Ground Beef?

Traditionally, homemade shepherd’s pie is made with lamb. Technically if it is made with beef, it’s called Cottage Pie.

However, you don’t typically find it with lamb in the United States. 

Ground beef is much more common. And it’s just as delicious too!

It doesn’t really matter which kind of meat you use. It really is yummy either way.

 

 

Can You Make Shepherd’s Pie Ahead of Time?

You can absolutely make it ahead of time! And it’s a great idea too! 

Make ahead shepherd’s pie is a lifesaver for busy days. Really! A life saver!

First assemble the pie. Then cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. 

When you’re ready to eat, bake it until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. 

Any meal prep is my go to! And this one is a great one!

How to Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

Just cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. 

Or you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. 

I like to break it up into small portions usually. That way it’s just ready to toss in a lunch box.

 

 

Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

This classic shepherd’s pie is totally freezer-friendly. And it’s a great option for meal planning. 

Or for taking to the neighbors who are sick or just had a baby!

Bring this over frozen and they can heat it whenever they need it. Perfect!

To freeze, wrap the whole casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. 

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Then just follow the recipe’s instructions.

Don’t forget to write the instructions on the aluminum foil! 

That way you won’t have to go looking for them later!

 

 

How to Reheat Shepherd’s Pie

To reheat, place the thawed Shepherd’s Pie in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Then bake until it’s heated through and the top is crispy again. 

If reheating individual portions, a microwave will work fine, though the potatoes may not be as crispy.

And try not to recook them. You just want them heated. 

The longer they cook, the more likely they are to burn or dry out.

Can You Make a Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes, you can make it deconstructed! 

A deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie is such a fun way to serve this! 

Actually my mom used to do this all the time and it’s still one of my favorite ways to make it.

Simply prepare the meat mixture and mashed potatoes separately. 

Then let everyone scoop what they like into a bowl and create their own version. 

Picky eaters are happy. I’m happy because they actually eat something. It’s a win-win in my house.

 

 

What Are Some Freezer Meals with Ground Beef?

Ground beef is so great for freezer meals! 

Obviously you can make shepherd’s pie.

But you can also make meatloaf, beef and cheese lasagna, beef enchiladas, chili, and stuffed bell peppers. 

These meals all freeze well:

• Mini Meatloaf Recipe
• Country Pie Recipe
• Rotel Lasagna
• Korean Beef
• Meatloaf without Eggs
• Crock Pot Enchiladas
• Inside Out Stuffed Peppers
• Chimichanga Recipe

Is Shepherd’s Pie Gluten-Free?

This specific Shepherd’s Pie recipe is not gluten-free cause we use flour in the meat mixture. 

However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour.

There are a lot of gluten-free alternative flours you could buy. Or you can use cornstarch for thickening too.

 

 

Is Shepherd’s Pie Healthy?

Shepherd’s Pie can be a part of a healthy diet. 

It has protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. So that’s a win in my house!

To change things up you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

You could also add in more veggies.

Or use less butter or milk.

Though honestly, if it’s a balanced diet, I think this shepherd’s pie is just fine.

What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty meal on its own! It really doesn’t need anything else.

But if you want to throw a few more things on the table, you’ve got some options.

It pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a crusty bread roll. 

Or serve it with a side of glazed carrots, green beans, or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Here are some great recipes to try:

• Vegan Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce
• Broccoli Salad
• Green Bean Bundles
• Crescent Roll Ups
• Winter Roasted Veggies
• Arugula Farro Salad
• Blueberry Salad

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort dish! It’s delicious and easy! 

 

 

Cooking for a family dinner, prepping for the week ahead, or hosting a dinner party, this Shepherd’s Pie is sure to hit the sweet spot!

 

Originally Posted: March 9, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: May 13, 2020 

Photos & Text Updated: February 20, 2024

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