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Easy Homemade Shepherd's Pie

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Comforting meat and potato pie. Takes 70 minutes. Serves 8. Perfect family dinner.
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Clare Greco
Updated on Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:37:37 GMT
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Transform simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food with this classic shepherd's pie recipe that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. This affordable, make-ahead dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Through extensive testing, I discovered that proper layering technique and rich gravy create the most satisfying results.

Essential Elements

Lean ground beef builds base

Quality potatoes create topping

Fresh garlic adds depth

Rich cream ensures perfect texture

Frozen vegetables add convenience

Worcestershire sauce deepens flavor

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Shepherd’s Pie Recipe | recipesim.com

Creating Pie Magic

Filling Preparation Brown meat with vegetables.

Gravy Building Create rich, thick sauce.

Potato Preparation Mash until perfectly creamy.

Layer Assembly Build even, careful layers.

Texture Creation Rake potato surface.

Perfect Baking Cook until golden brown.

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Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe | recipesim.com

Perfect Serving Ideas

Transform this shepherd's pie into different experiences by:

  • Serving with HP sauce for authenticity
  • Adding fresh salad for balance
  • Pairing with crusty bread
  • Offering extra gravy on side
  • Including traditional sides

Recipe Variations

Customize your pie to match different tastes:

  • Use lamb for traditional version
  • Add red wine to gravy
  • Top with cheese before baking
  • Use fresh vegetables if preferred
  • Adjust seasoning blend

Storage Success

Keep your shepherd's pie fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage:

  • Freeze for up to 3 months
  • Use disposable foil pans for freezing
  • Allow dish to warm before baking
  • Cover while reheating
  • Adjust baking time for cold pie

Professional Tips

  • Layer ingredients evenly
  • Create textured potato surface
  • Season each layer well
  • Allow to rest before serving
  • Watch temperature when reheating
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My journey with this shepherd's pie has evolved from simple casserole to creating the perfect comfort food. Remember, great comfort food combines proper technique with quality ingredients, creating meals that bring warmth to any table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Beef or lamb?
Traditional uses lamb, but beef works great too.
→ Make ahead?
Assemble early, bake when ready to serve.
→ Best potatoes?
Russets make fluffiest mashed potato topping.
→ Freeze it?
Freezes well up to 3 months.
→ What vegetables?
Use any frozen mixed vegetable blend.

Classic Comforting Shepherd's Pie

Classic meat and potato casserole with rich gravy and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: English

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat Filling

01 2 tablespoons butter
02 1 medium onion, chopped
03 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
04 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 2 tablespoons flour
07 1 cup beef broth
08 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

→ Potato Topping

11 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
12 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 1/4 cup butter
14 3 cloves garlic, minced
15 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 Pepper to taste
17 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Boil potatoes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F and start meat filling.

Step 02

Sauté onion in butter, add beef and brown. Add seasonings, tomato paste, flour, then liquids and vegetables.

Step 03

Warm cream, butter, and garlic. Mash with cooked potatoes until smooth.

Step 04

Layer meat mixture in 9x13 dish, top with potatoes. Bake 30 minutes, broil briefly to brown top.

Notes

  1. Can use beef or lamb
  2. Great for making ahead
  3. Freezes well

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Potato masher
  • Large pot for potatoes

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 411
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 17 g