Even rockers need something cozy on those crazy, crazy, crazy, chilly nights. That’s why we love this homemade shepherd’s pie recipe. When the crew says they’re coming over, we throw this one in the oven to give everyone a happy and full belly!
Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
If you’ve never had shepherd’s pie, you really need to try it. This is the best recipe, a bubbling stew of beef, peas, carrots, corn, and aromatics topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s great for family and company alike!
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
While shepherd’s pie looks and tastes complex, it’s so easy! It may be too much for a weeknight when you get home from work, though you can prep it ahead and then bake it up for the perfect meal.
Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients
- Ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for this recipe.
- Yellow onion – Chop up this aromatic to bring out the best in the beef.
- Frozen veggies – You’ll need frozen peas and carrots plus frozen corn.
- Worcestershire sauce – Gives this a rich and indulgent savory taste.
- Tomato paste – Adds more texture and richness to the sauce.
- Garlic – Of course! It makes every savory dish amazing!
- Flour – A little all purpose flour thickens that filling up.
- Beef stock – Gives our stew filling here plenty of flavor and the right consistency.
- Seasonings – You’ll need dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Mashed potatoes – This is for your topping, made from russet potatoes, salted butter, half and half, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and grated parmesan.
How do you Make Shepherd’s Pie from Scratch
Making this recipe for Shepherd’s pie always starts with making the beefy filling. Heat a large skillet with oil on medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add your onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Ground beef goes in next, then the herbs. Cook until the meat browns, then add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic. You’ll add the flour and tomato paste after that, stirring until incorporated. Then, the beef stock and frozen veggies will be added. You want this to boil, then reduce it to a simmer. At this point, you’ll get your oven ready at 400F. As you do all this, put your cubed potatoes into a large pot with water and boil. Cook them until fork tender, then drain them. Return the potatoes to the pot and add in butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash those potatoes, then layer the pie with the meat going first, then the mashed potatoes on top. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Every Time
- Brown the meat well. The stew-like filling should look luscious and full of life. All the ingredients really need to come together here for your best shepherd’s pie.
- Keep it colorful. While peas and carrots are staples, you can swap out peas if you hate them by using green beans for example.
- Let the filling cool slightly. This prevents the mashed potatoes from sinking into the bottom layer in your shepards pie.
- Swap the cheese. If you don’t have parmesan cheese or simply want to use another type of cheese, go for it. Cheddar works great too!
What is traditional shepherd’s pie?
Traditional shepherd’s pie is a British meal made with ground lamb simmered with vegetables. It is topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, then baked together.
Why do they call it a shepherd’s pie?
Since the traditional version of this pie is made with lamb, it is called a shepherd’s pie because shepherd’s tend to a flock of sheep.
Where is shepherd’s pie from?
Shepherd’s pie originated from the UK, where it was most often made with ground lamb meat.
What is Irish shepherd’s pie made of?
Ireland has a similar dish that is called cottage pie. The main difference is that it uses ground beef rather than lamb.
What is the difference between shepherd’s and cottage pies?
The difference is in the type of meat that is used. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb while cottage pies use ground beef. However, with this recipe and many other modern adaptations, beef is more often used.
What meat is shepherd’s pie made from?
In this shepherd’s pie recipe, beef is used. In traditional recipes for shepherd’s pie, lamb is used, though you can swap the meat if you’d prefer.
Is shepherd’s pie made from beef or lamb?
Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb. These days, many people use beef instead either out of taste preference or because it is easier to find.
How do you keep shepherd’s pie from falling apart?
Making your mashed potatoes so they are firm will help keep your shepherd’s pie from falling apart. Additionally, letting the beefy filling cool down first will also keep the layers intact.
What can you use instead of beef broth in shepherd’s pie?
If you have a brown gravy packet, you can use that and a cup of water instead of beef broth in your shepherd’s pie.
How do I thicken shepherd’s pie without flour?
You can use cornstarch with a little water instead. This should do the trick, and it will be gluten-free this way too.
At what temperature do I heat shepherd’s pie?
Heating it at 400F is the best temperature. As for the internal temperature for serving, you should make sure it reads at 165F.
How Long to Bake Shepherd’s Pie?
With your oven set to 400F, you’ll bake your shepherd’s pie for 25 to 35 minutes.
What goes well with Shepherd’s Pie?
Round out the meal with a nice crusty bread to dunk into all that savory goodness. Fresh salads are a great option too because shepherd’s pie is so rich and hearty. You could also roast some brussels sprouts if you’d like another side. Some people add glazed carrots though there are carrots inside the pie so that’s up to you!
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie?
Shepherd’s pie must be allowed to cool completely first and then you’ll need to cover it and put it in the fridge.
How Long Does Shepherd’s Pie Last?
Unless you have a huge crew of hungry rockstars coming over, you’re bound to have leftovers. Those will keep in the fridge for 5 days so eat up!
Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Look, as much as we love shepherd’s pie, it is really heavy and decadent. For this reason, you’ll be glad to know that it will keep really well in your freezer. Make sure it’s in an airtight container and it will keep for 2 months.
How to Reheat Shepherd’s Pie?
Preheat your oven to 350F and cover your shepherd’s pie in its oven-safe dish using foil. It will take about 30 to 40 minutes for a whole shepherd’s pie and maybe 10 to 15 minutes for small portions. If you pull it right from the freezer, it’s going to take an hour to an hour and a half which is why it might be best to let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Watch How To Make Shepherd’s Pie (Video)
Kulick's Shepherds Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cup yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Potato topping
- 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 sticks salted butter
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- First, make the meat filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the onions and saute for about 5 minutes. Add in the ground beef and cook with a wooden spoon. Add in the herbs and mix well. Cook until the meat is browned, then add in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic and stir to combine. Add the flour and tomato paste and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Add the beef stock, frozen peas, carrots, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer then set aside and preheat the oven to 400F.
- Meanwhile, make the potato topping. Place the cubed potatoes into a large stock pot and cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes are fork tender about 10-15 minutes. Once the potatoes are fork tender, drain the water then return to the pot and allow any remaining liquid to evaporate. Add in the butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes and stir until everything is thoroughly mixed together.
- Assemble the casserole. Pour the meat mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Carefully spread the potato topping into an even layer. Bake uncovered for about 25-35 minutes.
