This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and hearty dish filled with savory ground beef, vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its best!
Making this dish always brings a smile! I love the crispy potato top—who can resist a good scoop? Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in those veggies for picky eaters.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best mash. They create a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, cauliflower makes a great low-carb substitute!
Ground Beef: While I stick to ground beef for a classic flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Veggie crumbles also work well for a veggie-based option.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables save time! Swap them out for fresh veggies like diced zucchini or bell peppers if you prefer. Just chop them to a similar size.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami kick, but you can use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. Just use it sparingly as the flavor can be stronger.
Milk: I like using whole milk for a richer mash, but any milk works just fine. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk is a great choice!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Mashed Potatoes?
The mashed potatoes are a key player in shepherd’s pie, so let’s get them just right. First, make sure to boil the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and immediately return them to the pot to steam off any extra moisture.
- Add butter and milk to the hot potatoes for that rich, creamy texture.
- Use a potato masher or a ricer for the smoothest results. Mix until just combined—over-mashing can lead to a gummy texture!
And remember to season well with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors! If you like, you can also add garlic powder or cream cheese for richness.
How to Make Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it’s ready when you finish preparing the pie.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
Put the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are tender—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Set aside to keep warm.
4. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, around 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over.
6. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings:
Stir in the tomato paste, frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Mix everything well. If the mixture looks a bit watery, sprinkle the flour over it and stir well to incorporate. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit.
7. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them to cover completely. If you like, you can use a fork to create a nice texture on top of the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once you take it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Enjoy your comforting and hearty Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling with fresh or other frozen vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or even sweet corn. Just chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.
How Do I Thicken the Filling Without Flour?
If you’d prefer to avoid flour, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the simmering beef mixture until it thickens.
Can Shepherd’s Pie Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately in advance. Assemble the pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot.
