Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

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Golden, crispy mashed potatoes crowning a hearty, savory filling of ground beef and tender vegetables—this Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a timeless, soul-warming dish that brings the whole family together around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this one-skillet classic never disappoints.

With each bite, you’ll enjoy the contrast of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful beef, with pops of sweet carrots, green peas, and onions. It’s rustic, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s an ideal way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or stretch a pound of ground beef into a full, filling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

• It’s made in one skillet for easy cleanup
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or mashed potato add-ins
• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
• Packed with hearty flavor and texture
• Family-approved comfort food that never goes out of style

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron pan) is key, allowing you to cook the filling and then bake the pie without dirtying extra dishes. A good potato masher or electric hand mixer will help whip up fluffy mashed potatoes. You’ll also need a wooden spoon for sautéing the meat and vegetables, and a rubber spatula for spreading the potatoes evenly.

Each tool serves a vital role: the skillet handles all the action; the masher or mixer ensures creamy, lump-free potatoes; and the spatula helps build those beautiful, defined layers in your pie.

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Preparation Tips

To save time, you can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate them. When spreading the potatoes over the meat mixture, make sure they reach the edges of the pan to seal in the juices—this prevents bubbling over and keeps the flavors locked in. Don’t skip browning the ground beef thoroughly; it adds depth and richness to the filling. And if you’re short on fresh vegetables, frozen mixed veggies work beautifully and save on prep time. For a golden-brown potato topping, run the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.

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Ingredients for this Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp rosemary (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn — fresh or frozen)
• 2 tsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain them well and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, and sour cream (if using). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.

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Step 4: Build Flavor into the Filling

Mix in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to coat the meat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the paste darkens slightly. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for another minute.

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Step 5: Simmer the Filling

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the mixed vegetables. Let the filling simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

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Step 6: Add the Mashed Potato Layer

Using a rubber spatula, gently spread the mashed potatoes over the beef filling in an even layer. Be sure to seal the edges to keep juices from bubbling out. For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

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Step 7: Bake and Broil

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and bubbling. For a golden crust, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

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Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes slicing cleaner.

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Notes

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is incredibly flexible, making it perfect for busy households or picky eaters. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, lamb, or even lentils for a vegetarian version. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or mushrooms. Adding a touch of grated parmesan to the mashed potatoes can elevate the flavor even further. If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, assemble everything except the final bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat well leads to a lack of flavor in the base.
• Watery mashed potatoes: Be sure to fully drain your potatoes and mash them well—excess liquid will cause a soggy topping.
• Under-seasoning: Taste both your filling and your potatoes before assembling. Both layers need seasoning!
• Overfilling the skillet: Leave a little room at the top to avoid bubbling over during baking.
• Not sealing the edges: Gaps in the mashed potato topping let the filling escape and dry out.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooked, let the Shepherd’s Pie cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, assemble the dish (but don’t bake it), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2–3 minutes, though the crust may soften.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of pie
• Calories: 430
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 620mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie uses beef. This version uses ground beef, so technically it’s a Cottage Pie, though the names are often used interchangeably.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire pie ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. This pie freezes well both before and after baking. Just make sure it’s tightly covered and well labeled.

How do I reheat Shepherd’s Pie?

You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

You can, especially if you’re short on time. However, homemade mashed potatoes offer better flavor and texture.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and mash up fluffy and smooth.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the butter with plant-based butter, and use dairy-free milk and sour cream alternatives.

Can I add cheese to the mashed potato topping?

Definitely! Shredded cheddar or even parmesan adds great flavor and a golden, crispy top when baked.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy, satisfying dish that never fails to impress. With its rich, flavorful filling and fluffy, golden potato topping, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re prepping ahead, feeding a crowd, or simply craving something hearty, this dish fits the bill. Make it your own with simple swaps or enjoy it classic—either way, it’s a guaranteed favorite.

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