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Plate of shepherd’s pie with golden mashed potato topping and ground meat filling, served beside a partially scooped casserole dish.

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Ella
This shepherd’s pie recipe delivers all the warm, cozy satisfaction you crave—savory meat filling, golden parmesan mashed potatoes, and comfort in every bite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine British, Irish
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meat Filling

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb (90% lean preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Use a halal alternative if avoiding alcohol
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 0.5 cup frozen corn kernels

Potato Topping

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 0.33 cup half and half
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add tomato paste and flour. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Pour in beef broth, peas and carrots, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Boil potatoes in salted water for 10–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot.
  • Add butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Stir in grated parmesan.
  • Spread meat filling in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and smooth the surface.
  • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden on top and bubbling at the edges. Rest 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cool the meat filling before topping with mash to prevent sinking. Use a fork to texture the top of the potatoes for a crispier finish. A potato ricer makes the fluffiest mash.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

 • Calories: 400 kcal
 • Carbohydrates: 13 g
 • Protein: 19 g
 • Fat: 30 g
 • Saturated Fat: 15 g
 • Cholesterol: 97 mg
 • Sodium: 751 mg
 • Potassium: 483 mg
 • Fiber: 2 g
 • Sugar: 2 g
 • Vitamin A: 2860 IU
 • Vitamin C: 7.9 mg
 • Calcium: 99 mg
 • Iron: 2.7 mg
Keyword Classic Shepherd’s Pie, Easy Shepherd’s Pie, Shepherd’s Pie Recipe