Shepherd's Pie is an absolute crowd-pleaser and a great dish to prepare ahead of time. I’ve brought this comforting casserole to many family potlucks, and it always hits the spot. What I love most is that it’s versatile enough to be made in advance, refrigerated overnight, and baked the next day, which gives the flavors time to meld. This classic dish pairs tender beef with a rich, flavorful gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes—what’s not to love? Using a colorful baking dish adds an extra pop when serving this comforting favorite.
Did You Know?
Shepherd’s Pie, originally from the UK, is traditionally made with lamb. When made with beef, it's technically called Cottage Pie. This dish has been a staple since the late 1700s, offering a delicious way to use leftover meat and vegetables. Fun fact: The term "shepherd" refers to the use of lamb, while "cottage" refers to the humble origins of the dish!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Personal Tip: Use a casserole dish with high sides to prevent any sauce from bubbling over during baking.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and carrots, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas.
Personal Tip: If you like a thicker filling, reduce the beef broth slightly.
Assemble the Pie:
Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Personal Tip: Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potatoes for a crispier top when baked.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Personal Tip: Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want a super-crispy top.
Serve:
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Personal Tip: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 450 | Protein, 25g | Carbohydrates, 35g | Fiber, 5g | Net Carbohydrates, 30g | Fat, 20g | Saturated Fat, 10g | Cholesterol, 85mg | Sodium, 800mg | Sugars, 6g | Glycemic Index, Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Choosing Meat: Opt for ground beef that’s either 80/20 (80% lean meat and 20% fat) for a juicier result or leaner options like 90/10 for a lighter dish. Both work well in Shepherd’s Pie, but 80/20 will give you a richer flavor. Ground lamb is the traditional choice for Shepherd's Pie, while beef is used for Cottage Pie. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner option.
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Homemade Mashed Potatoes: Make your own mashed potatoes using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy, buttery topping. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, they can work well too, saving time in preparation. Add butter and cream to make the topping extra rich.
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Adding Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of your pie by adding more vegetables such as corn, green beans, mushrooms, or even zucchini. These can be sautéed along with the onions and carrots to enhance the dish’s flavor.
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Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after simmering, stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken. This will help the filling hold together nicely when serving.
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Cheese Topping: For extra flavor, mix shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meat mixture. The cheese will create a delicious, crispy top when baked. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the mashed potatoes just before baking.
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Make Ahead: One of the best things about Shepherd’s Pie is that it can be made ahead. Prepare the pie up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, just pop it into the oven.
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Freezing Tips: Shepherd's Pie freezes well. Assemble the pie in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This is a great option for meal prepping and having a homemade dish ready to go.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. For a fresh touch, garnish the top of the pie with chopped parsley, chives, or thyme before serving. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy tanginess that pairs well with the savory filling.
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Reducing Fat: For a healthier version, use lean ground beef (90/10) and skim milk in the mashed potatoes. Reducing the amount of butter and cheese can also lower the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
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Cost-Saving Tips: Buy ground beef and vegetables in bulk when they’re on sale, and store the beef in the freezer in meal-sized portions. Using store-brand ingredients, such as beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese, can also help reduce costs while maintaining the quality of the dish.
Let’s Learn About Ground Beef
Ground beef is one of the most versatile and commonly used proteins in cooking. It comes in various fat-to-lean ratios, such as 80/20 (80% lean meat and 20% fat) and 90/10, which is leaner. The higher fat content in 80/20 beef provides a juicier and more flavorful result, which is perfect for dishes like Shepherd’s Pie. However, leaner cuts like 90/10 are preferred for healthier meals as they contain less fat and fewer calories.
Look for labels indicating the source of the beef. Grass-fed and organic options may have higher omega-3 content, and avoid ground beef that has been treated with antibiotics or hormones. Ground beef is best when used within 1-2 days of purchasing, but it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ensuring that the beef is cooked thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 160°F) is essential for food safety.