Easy Shepherd’s Pie (with beef)

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Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food central! A hearty, homestyle dinner that sticks to your ribs and satisfies. 

This simple recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, or baked on the day you make it – from start to finish in about 45 minutes. It’s meat. It’s vegetables. It’s potatoes (and it’s delicious). It’s also gluten-free! (check ingredients info below).

It’s a little surprising to me that I haven’t posted this before. It’s a very simple recipe, you can make it ahead and bake on a busy night, or you can make extra (recipe includes extra) and freeze some portions for later. I grew up eating it, so I can probably credit my Mum for this one. I am a 3rd generation New Zealander but my grandparents/great grandparents descend from Scotland (and northern England) – where Shepherd’s Pie originated.

I remember my mother repurposing the leftover roast beef from Sunday dinner, and making a whole different dinner for Monday night. My brother and I both hated eating the same meal 2 nights in a row, so this is how my clever Mum fooled us! As a mother myself now, I especially like this because it’s a one-dish dinner that feeds the hungry husband, the boys and me with no complaints. Like complaints are even accepted at my house anyway.

What is Shepherd’s Pie? It’s a casserole, essentially. Ground meat and vegetables, cooked together with gravy, and topped with mashed potatoes and baked until it’s golden on top.

What is the difference between Shepherd’s pie and Cottage Pie? Simply put – the true definition of shepherd’s pie is that it contains ground lamb – it’s Shepherd’s pie (because shepherds cared for sheep) and Cottage Pie is made with beef. If you add breadcrumbs or cheese to the top, it is called “Cumberland Pie”. I still call it “shepherd’s pie” regardless. I don’t care what you call it, just make it, eat it, love it!

• Ground Beef – I use a 97/3 beef, but 80/20 is fine too if you be sure and drain the fat
• Onion – chop this up relatively small.
• Carrots – dice these the same size as the onion
• Tomato Paste – this adds flavor to the gravy
• Worcestershire Sauce & Soy Sauce – this is a great way to add a savory flavor to the gravy. Don’t skip! If you are gluten-free – you can use tamari and the Lea & Perrins brand of Worcestershire Sauce
• Dried Thyme – this can be subbed for fresh thyme, but you will need more than you would if you used dried. Rosemary is also pretty good in this recipe.
• Beef Stock – I use an unsalted stock. If you use salted, watch your seasoning and taste test to make sure it’s not over salty or super bland!
• Frozen Peas – you can sub in mixed vegetables, or use beans, or corn. Whatever you have, is going to be awesome.
• Cornstarch & Water – this is used for thickening the gravy
• Potatoes – I like Russet or Yukon golds for this.

How to make Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie)

The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below. 

1. In a large skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add onions and carrots, and cook until onion is soft, and the carrots begin to soften.
3. Add tomato paste, thyme, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for around 15 minutes.
5. Turn the heat up, then add cornstarch to the water and mix. Add the mixture to the skillet,  and cook until it thickens.
6. Add the frozen peas, and mix in (the heat from the meat mixture is enough to cook the peas).
7. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with the butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
8. Preheat the oven to 375.
9. Pour beef mixture into an 8 x 8 baking dish.
10. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef mixture and score the top with a fork (for crispy peaks).
11. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven until the top is brown and crispy.
12. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve.
13. Devour.

Love Homestyle Dinners?

• Tuna Noodle Casserole – will bring you right back to childhood. Budget-friendly and easy to double for a crowd!
• Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta – A big bowl of comfort, this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta will stick to your ribs and have everyone fight over leftovers!
• Freezer Friendly Baked Ziti – comfort food at its very finest. Cheesy, gooey, with a tasty meat sauce,  pasta, cheese and sour cream. Freezer friendly – this dish is a winner!
• Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy – is fried patties made from ground beef, smothered in a delicious onion gravy, and served with mashed potatoes.
• ALL WEEKNIGHT MEALS
• ALL MAIN MEALS

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Update: This post was originally published in 2013, and has been updated to improve reader experience. The recipe is essentially the same (just clearer!)