Easy Ground Beef Shepherds Pie Recipe: A Homemade Classic

Nothing says cozy comfort food quite like a warm, homemade shepherd’s Pie! This easy shepherd’s pie recipe using ground beef is packed with hearty flavors—savory beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, all topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.

It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with delicious aromas and brings everyone to the table!

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A Family Favorite Classic Dish

Comfort food…ahhh!

Hot, cozy soups, warm casseroles, savory meat pies…these are usually recipes that get me through the winter.

But a tasty shepherd’s pie is my favorite comfort food for spring. (But don’t let that keep you from making it year-round!)

I’ve always loved classic shepherd’s pie made with ground lamb. But let’s be honest—lean ground beef is much more budget-friendly and tastes just as yummy when you use the right spices. My family loves it, too! 

In fact, we’ve recently started a Sunday night Supper Club. Between my husband, my two adult daughters, and me, we each take a turn making dinner on Sunday night. It’s such a fun time when we can all get together.

My last venture was bringing back Shepherd’s Pie to the table, and my family loved it as much as when I used to make it years ago.

This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe is pure comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. The meat mixture is rich and savory, topped with a layer of fluffy mashed potatoes, and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

​Shepherds Pie Ingredient List

This ingredient list might seem a little long. But these items are almost always in my pantry, cupboard, and fridge. Love it when I don’t have to run to the grocery store!

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 2 ounces unsalted butter
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, for sprinkling on top

For the Meat Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen English peas

How to Make Shepherds Pie with Ground Beef

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Place the diced russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
2. While the potatoes cook, heat the half-and-half and butter in the microwave until warm, about 35 seconds.
3. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in the half-and-half mixture, salt, black pepper, and egg yolk until well combined.

The egg yolks give the potatoes such yummy richness!

Make the Meat Filling:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrots, sautéing until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic.
3. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess beef fat.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the ground beef mixture. Cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the rosemary and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in the corn and peas, then transfer the meat mixture to an 11×7-inch casserole dish, spreading it in an even layer.

Assemble & Bake:

1. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, smoothing it out and sealing the edges.
2. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
3. Place the baking dish on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
4. Let the whole casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving.

It smells so good when it comes out of the oven!

How Did Shepherd’s Pie Get Its Name?

Traditional shepherd’s pie was originally made with ground lamb, hence the name “shepherd’s” pie. When made with ground beef, it’s technically called cottage pie. However, in many households, both versions are referred to as shepherd’s pie.

How to Freeze Shepherd’s Pie

This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep! To freeze, let the Shepherd’s Pie cool completely. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Shepherd’s Pie in the Oven

The easiest way to reheat Shepherd’s Pie is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove any plastic wrap and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

 If reheating from frozen, bake for about 60 minutes.

What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty, savory pie pairs well with simple sides like green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The great thing about this classic dish is that it’s a complete meal on its own, but a little bit of extra veggies never hurts!

Here is what I served with our shepherd’s pie for our family Sunday Night Supper Club!

Easy Bruschetta Recipe – Sometimes you just want a little “crisp” to go with a casserole. This bruschetta recipe adds a flavorful crunch to the meal and is so easy to make!

Strawberry Basil Salad with Spinach, Feta Cheese, and Candied Walnuts – The flavors in this easy salad recipe are simply…MWAH!

Bringing Back the Classics

This classic shepherd’s pie recipe is a fantastic recipe to bring back to the dinner table!

Whether you’re making it for a Sunday night Supper Club like me, a cozy family dinner, or a meal prep option for the week, this dish delivers on flavor and comfort. The combination of a rich meat filling, fluffy mashed potatoes, and that little bit of Parmesan cheese on top makes every bite irresistible!

Next time you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, give this easy shepherd’s pie recipe a try. It just might become a new favorite in your home!

Let me know in the comments if you try it!

Cheers!

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