Shepherd’s Pie: Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
This classic Shepherd’s Pie features savory ground beef in a rich gravy with vegetables, topped with creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole for family dinners and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Irish
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 pound 90% lean ground beef or ground lamb
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 1/2 to 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup half and half
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef or lamb and break it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is browned.
6. Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Stir in flour and tomato paste until fully incorporated.
8. Add beef broth, peas, carrots, and corn.
9. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
11. Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork tender.
12. Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot.
13. Add butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
14. Mash until smooth and stir in Parmesan cheese.
15. Spread the meat filling into a baking dish.
16. Top evenly with the mashed potatoes.
17. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.
18. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ground lamb creates a traditional shepherd’s pie while ground beef makes a cottage pie.
Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor and helps the topping brown beautifully.
You can substitute frozen peas and carrots with separate frozen vegetables.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving for cleaner slices.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze baked shepherd’s pie for up to 3 months.