Name: Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup beef broth; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled & diced; 3 tbsp butter; ½ cup milk; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Craving that comforting classic that wraps you in warmth from the first bite? Let me introduce you to my absolutely irresistible Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe. This beloved dish brings together savory ground beef, a hearty medley of vegetables, and an irresistibly creamy mashed potato topping—all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or welcoming friends for a cozy gathering.

Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this dish is how it relies on simple yet essential ingredients—no frills, just pure, crave-worthy comfort food. Each one plays its own important role in building flavor, color, and texture in this Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe.

Ground beef: Opt for 85% lean for the perfect balance of rich flavor and moisture.
Onion: Diced small, it provides sweetness and depth that rounds out the filling.
Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, infuse a gentle aromatic kick that’s totally essential.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn add beautiful color and wholesome bites of sweetness.
Tomato paste: Just a tablespoon intensifies the savory flavor with a touch of tang.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a uniquely savory burst (umami!) that’s classic for shepherd’s pie.
Beef broth: Adds moisture, richness, and helps meld everything together.
Salt & black pepper: The trusty flavor builders—don’t skip these!
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work beautifully for the mashed potato crown—so creamy and fluffy.
Butter: Melted into the mash for that irresistible silkiness.
Milk: Makes mashed potatoes light and dreamy—whole milk brings the best texture!

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Start by peeling, dicing, and boiling your potatoes in salted water until they’re perfectly fork-tender—about 15 minutes. Once drained, mash them with butter, milk, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside; these will soon become your golden topping.

Step 2: Sauté and Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over, about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it—this will keep your filling delicious but not greasy.

Step 3: Build the Savory Filling

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and the frozen veggies. Let this cozy mixture simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This step is really where the Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe earns its reputation for comfort.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the layers. This ensures everything has just the right amount of time to meld and come together beautifully.

Step 5: Layer the Pie for Baking

Transfer the beef and vegetable filling evenly into a baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Then, gently spread the mashed potato mixture over the top—if you’d like, use the back of a spoon to create little swirls or peaks for extra textural drama.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the dish into the preheated oven, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are just starting to turn lightly golden and you can see some filling bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Rest, Serve, and Savor

Let the Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe cool for a few minutes before digging in—this short rest makes it easier to cut neat servings and lets all the delicious flavors settle perfectly.

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens up each slice with color and a hint of freshness. If you’re feeling extra, add a dash of cracked black pepper or a light dusting of paprika before serving to make your Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for that satisfying contrast to the rich and creamy pie. Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread are classic for mopping up every bit of the savory filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking this Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch—perfect for dinner parties! Or, let kids decorate the mashed potato tops with fork patterns or swirls. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes a touch of creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the pie cool to room temperature, then cover tightly (or transfer slices to an airtight container) and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors seem to deepen even more on day two!

Freezing

One of the best things about the Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe is that it freezes like a dream. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For busy nights, just thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen—just add a little extra time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout (about 25-30 minutes if refrigerated). For single portions, the microwave is handy—use a medium setting and cover loosely so the potatoes don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter spin. Both variations work beautifully and still make a hearty, comforting dish.

What type of potatoes are best for mashed topping?

Yukon Golds create an extra buttery, creamy texture, while Russets are classic and fluffy—either is perfect for this Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe.

Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables first?

No thawing required! Just add the frozen veggies straight to the skillet—they’ll cook perfectly as the filling simmers and bake in the oven.

Can I assemble the pie in advance?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed (add a few extra minutes if straight from the fridge).

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking?

Spread the potatoes gently over the cooled beef filling. If the filling is too hot and runny, let it cool slightly before topping to help keep those beautiful potato swirls on top.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to introduce comfort and warmth to your table, this Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef Recipe is pure magic every time. Give it a try and let it become your go-to for delicious dinners and happy memories—your family and friends will thank you!