Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

This classic shepherd’s pie recipe is pure comfort food. Savory ground meat simmered with vegetables and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes makes a cozy, satisfying dinner the whole family loves. If you enjoy hearty meals like old-fashioned chicken and dumplings , this dish deserves a spot on your table.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comfort food classic: Warm, filling, and nostalgic.
• One-dish meal: Protein, veggies, and potatoes in one pan.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Freezer-friendly: Stores well for future meals.

Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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• Author: Syrine
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This classic shepherd’s pie recipe is pure comfort food. Savory ground meat simmered with vegetables and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes makes a cozy, satisfying dinner the whole family loves.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–18 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
6. Fold in peas and carrots, then spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
7. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and gently spread to seal the edges.
8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Notes

For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes. Use ground turkey for a lighter version or pipe the mashed potatoes for a decorative finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: shepherd’s pie, comfort food, mashed potatoes, ground beef, lamb

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–18 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
6. Fold in peas and carrots, then spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
7. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and gently spread to seal the edges.
8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes, similar to the richness found in baked mac and cheese .
• Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Pipe the mashed potatoes on top for a decorative finish.

Substitutions

• Swap lamb for beef if preferred.
• Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet contrast.
• Replace peas and carrots with mixed vegetables you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this shepherd’s pie recipe with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with cozy sides like ultra-creamy mashed potatoes if you want to go all-in on comfort.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef.

More to Try

• Tater Tot Casserole
• Vegetarian Meatloaf
• Ham and Potato Casserole
• Garlic Parmesan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Conclusion

This comforting shepherd’s pie recipe is easy, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or prepping ahead, this classic dish never goes out of style.