Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that is both hearty and easy to make. This Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory ground beef filling, rich brown gravy, colorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all broiled to perfection for a deliciously crispy top. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is quick to prepare on the stovetop and requires only a few minutes in the oven. Whether you’re using leftover mashed potatoes or making them fresh, this simple and satisfying recipe is a guaranteed family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shepherd’s Pie

✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes—a great weeknight dinner option!
✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✅ Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to repurpose mashed potatoes.
✅ Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or use ground turkey instead of beef.
✅ One-Pan Option: Can be made in a skillet and transferred directly to the oven.

Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie

This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples:

For the Filling:

1 Tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and celery.
¾ cup yellow onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 rib celery, finely diced – Enhances texture and flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – A must-have aromatic ingredient.
1 lb. ground beef (85% lean) – The base of the filling; you can also use ground turkey or lamb.
2 Tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the gravy.
1 Tablespoon tomato paste – Adds richness and a slight tangy depth.
½ teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a subtle herbal note.
½ cup chicken broth – For deglazing and adding moisture.
1 cup brown gravy – You can use a store-bought mix or make homemade gravy.
Salt & Pepper – To taste.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – A mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans works great!

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

3 cups mashed potatoes – Leftovers or freshly made.
(Optional) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For an extra cheesy layer!

How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, start by boiling peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until tender.
Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Set aside while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Brown the Beef: Increase heat to high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Add Flavor and Thicken: Reduce heat to medium-high. Sprinkle flour over the beef and mix well. Stir in tomato paste and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Deglaze & Make Gravy: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Stir in half of the brown gravy, mixing well.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and let them heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the remaining gravy if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

Transfer the beef and vegetable filling to a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or a 7 x 11 casserole dish.
Carefully spread the warm mashed potatoes over the filling.
Use a fork to rake lines into the mashed potatoes for a traditional look.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Preheat the broiler to high (550°F).
Place the Shepherd’s Pie about 5 inches below the broiler.
Broil for 5 minutes, keeping a close eye after 2 minutes to prevent burning.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie

✅ Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this dish comes together even faster!
✅ Make It Cheesy: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese under or over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
✅ Enhance the Flavor: Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to the beef mixture for a deeper taste.
✅ Make It Ahead: Assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to eat, broil and serve!
✅ Make It a One-Pan Dish: Use an oven-safe skillet to cook the filling, then spread the mashed potatoes on top and broil—no extra dishes needed!

What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie

Pair this hearty Shepherd’s Pie with simple sides:

Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness.
Crusty Bread: Great for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Shepherd’s Pie freezes well! Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before broiling or baking at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Reheating:

Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

🥧 Easy Shepherd’s Pie – A Classic Comfort Dish! 🥔✨

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

This simple and hearty shepherd’s pie is packed with savory ground beef, rich brown gravy, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftovers! 😍

Ingredients

🛢️ 1 tbsp olive oil
🧅 ¾ cup yellow onion, finely diced
🌿 1 rib celery, finely diced
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥩 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
🌾 2 tbsp flour
🍅 1 tbsp tomato paste
🌿 ½ tsp dried thyme
🍗 ½ cup chicken broth
🥣 1 cup brown gravy (see notes for homemade option)
🧂 Salt & pepper to taste
🥕 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
🥔 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If using homemade mashed potatoes, prepare them first.
If using instant or store-bought, measure out 3 cups.

2️⃣ Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onions & celery, sauté for 3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Increase heat to high and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Drain excess grease and reduce heat to medium-high.
Sprinkle in flour and mix well. Add tomato paste & thyme, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits for extra flavor.
Stir in ½ of the brown gravy and frozen vegetables. Cook until heated through.
Season with salt & pepper, adding more gravy if desired. Remove from heat.

3️⃣ Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat broiler to 550°F (or high).
Transfer beef mixture to a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or 7×11 casserole dish.
Carefully spread warm mashed potatoes over the filling.
Use a fork to create texture on top (helps with browning).

4️⃣ Broil & Serve

Place dish 5 inches from broiler and cook for 5 minutes (watch closely after 2 minutes!).
Once the top is golden brown, remove from heat.
Let cool slightly, then serve warm! 😋

Notes

🧀 Cheesy Upgrade? Add a layer of cheddar cheese under the mashed potatoes for extra flavor!
🔥 Crispy Top? Brush mashed potatoes with melted butter before broiling.
🌱 Make it healthier! Use ground turkey instead of beef or add extra veggies.

A warm, hearty, and delicious meal, ready in just 40 minutes! Who’s making this classic shepherd’s pie tonight? 😍🥔

Final Thoughts

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. With its savory beef filling, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, this simple and satisfying dish is always a great choice.

Try this Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal in no time!

Easy Shepherd’s Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food