Name: Shepherd’s Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb; 2 tsp dried parsley leaves; 1 tsp dried rosemary leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme leaves; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots; 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels; 1.5–2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 8 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup half & half; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef or lamb, tender vegetables in a rich gravy, and a golden layer of cheesy mashed potatoes. Whether you call it Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie, this savory casserole is the ultimate feel-good dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and savory: A flavorful meat and vegetable filling is simmered in gravy for a comforting base.
Creamy mashed potatoes: Topped with garlic-parmesan mashed potatoes that bake to golden perfection.
Customizable protein: Use beef for a classic Cottage Pie or lamb for a traditional Irish version.
Perfect for make-ahead: Great for meal prep, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Crowd favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Yellow onion
Ground beef or ground lamb
Dried parsley
Dried rosemary
Dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic cloves
All-purpose flour
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Frozen mixed peas and carrots
Frozen corn kernels
Russet potatoes
Unsalted butter
Half & half
Garlic powder
Parmesan cheese

Directions

Make the meat filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ground meat, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add flour and tomato paste. Mix well until smooth.
- Stir in beef broth, peas and carrots, and corn. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
Make the mashed potato topping
- Boil peeled and cubed potatoes until fork-tender, 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and return to hot pot. Let sit for 1 minute to evaporate extra moisture.
- Add butter, half & half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the casserole
- Spread the meat filling into a 9×9 or 7×11 inch baking dish.
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potatoes are golden.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Cheddar topping: Mix shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before baking.
Add red wine: Swap ¼ cup of the broth for red wine to deepen the flavor of the gravy.
Use sweet potatoes: Replace russet potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
Low-carb version: Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lighter topping.
Add more vegetables: Include mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked and cooled Shepherd’s Pie for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe container.
Reheat: Bake from frozen at 350°F covered with foil for 60 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while Cottage Pie uses ground beef. The rest of the ingredients are typically the same.

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled, unbaked or fully baked pie. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, though homemade mashed potatoes provide the best flavor and texture. Instant potatoes are a quick alternative in a pinch.

What meat is best for this recipe?

Ground beef is commonly used for convenience, but ground lamb offers a more authentic Irish flavor.

Do I need to drain the ground meat?

If you’re using lean ground beef or lamb, you may not need to. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some or let the flour create a roux with the fat for more flavor.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding to the meat mixture.

What cheese is best for the mashed potatoes?

Parmesan adds great umami and saltiness, but you can also use sharp cheddar or Gruyère for extra richness.

How do I get a golden topping?

Bake uncovered and optionally broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

What should I serve with Shepherd’s Pie?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli.

Conclusion

The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and delicious meal that brings together layers of savory meat, sweet vegetables, and rich, creamy potatoes. Whether you’re using ground lamb for authenticity or ground beef for convenience, this dish delivers big flavor and hearty satisfaction. It’s a timeless favorite that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection.