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Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop and Broiling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, finished with a perfectly browned crust under the broiler. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps for a classic dish everyone will love.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Filling

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 rib celery, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup brown gravy (homemade or from packet)
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Topping

  • 3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade, half batch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Make a half batch of your favorite homemade mashed potatoes to yield 3 cups. Boil and mash the potatoes while preparing the filling.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and celery and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Cook the Meat: Increase heat to high and add ground beef. Cook, crumbling with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
  4. Thicken the Filling: Reduce heat to medium-high. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and toss to coat evenly. Stir in tomato paste and dried thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan – these add depth to the filling.
  6. Add Gravy and Vegetables: Stir in half of the brown gravy, then fold in frozen mixed vegetables until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding more gravy if desired. Remove from heat.
  7. Assemble the Pie: Transfer the filling to a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or 7 x 11 casserole dish. Carefully spread the warm mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
  8. Texturize the Topping: Use a fork to create “rake” lines in the mashed potatoes which will brown nicely under the broiler.
  9. Broil: Position the oven rack about 5 inches from the broiler and set broiler to high (550°F). Broil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully after 2 minutes to avoid burning, until the potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  10. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can use 1 packet of gravy mix prepared as per package instructions or make homemade brown gravy.
  • PRO TIP: Add a layer of cheddar cheese beneath the mashed potatoes for a melty, cheesy layer.
  • If doubling the recipe, bake it in a 9 x 13 casserole dish or a wide (12-inch) oven-safe skillet to ensure even cooking.