Easy Homemade Shepherd's Pie

Jump to Recipe

Easy Homemade Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food dish that combines a perfectly seasoned beef and vegetable filling with a layer of creamy potatoes. It is perfect for cozy nights in.

This recipe for easy homemade shepherd's pie is simple to make and packed with savory flavors that the whole family will love. With a hearty beef filling and creamy mashed potatoes on top, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Let's make it.

Ingredients:

Beef Filling:

• 1 tablespoon Salted Butter
• ½ cup Diced Onions
• 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
• 2 lbs Lean Ground bBeef (I used 85%, organic)
• 2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 3 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ cup Tomato Paste
• 1 ¼ cups Beef Broth
• 1 cup Chopped Carrots
• 1 cup Chopped Celery
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional additional add-ins: ½ cup Corn and ½ cup Frozen Peas

Mashed Potatoes:

• 3-4 Organic Russet Potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes (about 17 ounces once peeled)
• ¼ cup Salted Butter
• ¼ cup Half and Half
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, plus extra for topping
• 2 tablespoon Mozzarella, plus extra for topping

Instructions:

• Prepare the Beef Filling:
  • In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried rosemary, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and optional additional add-ins (corn and peas), if using.
  • Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir until well combined.
  • Add the tomato paste, beef broth, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  • Cover and simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, or until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Make the Mashed Potatoes:
  • In a large pot, cover the peeled and chopped potatoes with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  • Add the salted butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot with the potatoes.
  • Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella until well combined.
  • NOTE: this recipe makes a thinner layer of mashed potatoes for the topping. We enjoy more of a meaty Shepherd's Pie, but if you desire a thicker layer of taters, simple double the recipe and proceed as instructed!
  • You can also make the filling and the potatoes at the same time to cut down on wait time.

• Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Transfer the beef filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef filling, spreading them out into an even layer.
  • Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and mozzarella over the top of the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Bake the Shepherd's Pie:
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
  • Remove the shepherd's pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  • Slice the shepherd's pie into squares and serve hot.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy the delicious homemade goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q- How can I make this easy homemade shepherd's pie vegetarian-friendly?

A- To make this shepherd's pie vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. Instead of beef broth, use vegetable broth, and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture.

Q- Can I make this shepherd's pie ahead of time and freeze it for later?

A- Yes, you can make this shepherd's pie ahead of time and freeze it for later. After assembling the shepherd's pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions. Alternatively, you can bake it directly from frozen, but it will require a longer baking time.

Q- What are some possible variations or substitutions for the ingredients in this shepherd's pie recipe?

A- There are numerous variations and substitutions you can make to customize this shepherd's pie recipe to your taste preferences. For example, you can use ground lamb instead of beef for a traditional twist, or switch up the seasonings with herbs like thyme or oregano. Additionally, you can add different vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans, or incorporate mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of russet potatoes for the topping. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Dietary Substitutions:

I love providing gluten and dairy free substitutions so that those with alternate dietary needs can enjoy my recipes to their fullest! These are subs that I have either used and continue to stock in my own home, or that have come highly recommended from others. I want your baking experience to be the best it can be, and avoiding gluten or dairy shouldn’t hinder that process in the slightest. 

As always, here is a list of tried and true dietary substitutes, so that you can enjoy this recipe without the additions of gluten or dairy. 

Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is a wonderful all-purpose sub, and it’s cup for cup, so use the same measurements as you would all-purpose flour. 

Miyokos butter is a plant based brick that closely resembles dairy butter not only in its look, but it’s taste as well. It melts, browns, and spreads just like real butter, and truly is a fantastic substitute in this recipe. Use it as a 1:1 ratio sub, same as the flour, so the recipe measurements will not change. 

Silk Plant Based Half and Half Alternative is a great alternative to dairy based cream.

Use dairy free cheese options in your mashed potatoes, or simply omit the cheese altogether.

Conclusion:

This easy homemade shepherd's pie is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. With its hearty beef filling and creamy mashed potatoes, it's comfort food at its finest.

If you loved this recipe, I’d be so grateful for you to leave a 5 star rating + review. 

Tag @heathershomebakery on Instagram if you upload a pic too, because I want to see your creations. 

Lastly, post this recipe to any of your boards by tapping the Pinterest icon and clicking on your favorite photo. Save and enjoy! 

XO,

Heather

If you're craving classic comfort food, try my Crockpot Chili with Sweet Cornbread, or my Fire Roasted Tomato Soup (with browned butter croutons)!