Print

Shepherds Pie with Ground Beef Recipe Easy Hearty Homemade Classic

shepherds pie with ground beef - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy shepherd’s pie featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs (900 g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut 2 lbs (900 g) of potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. While the potatoes boil, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Mix well, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly into the baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula or fork to create texture.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free adaptations, use gluten-free beef broth and check Worcestershire sauce labels. To prevent mashed potatoes from drying out, tent loosely with foil if browning too quickly. Prepare filling a day ahead to deepen flavor. Variations include vegetarian versions with lentils or mushrooms, seasonal veggies, low-carb mashed cauliflower topping, and adding spices or cheese for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, ground beef, comfort food, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, hearty meal, classic recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/shepherds-pie-with-ground-beef-recipe-easy-hearty-homemade-classic/