This easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe was definitely one of those “rotation meals” in our family growing up. My family actually called it “hamburger pie” or “cottage pie” nd I actually didn’t realize everyone else called it “shepherd’s pie” until after I was married. My mom would usually serve it if we had leftover mashed potatoes from Sunday dinner, which made it an even easier weeknight supper. Shepherd’s Pie was also our go-to meal that my mom would take to people in our neighborhood when someone had a baby, or surgery or was just in need of a warm, comforting meal. It is one of those dinners that hits the spot anytime!
Ingredients in Shepherd’s Pie
The great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can swap out one meat for another, one veggie for another, etc. But here’s what we start with: Mashed Potatoes:
Potatoes – Four large russet potatoes makes the perfect amount of mashed potatoes for the top. You can also use a package of instant mashed potatoes or leftover potatoes from another dinner. If making fresh mashed potatoes, add a couple of tablespoons of butter and about three tablespoons of milk and some salt and pepper. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to get the potatoes your favorite consistency.
Filling:
Ground beef – This is an “Americanized” version of what originated in England and northern Ireland. If you want to be more authentic, you can use minced or diced lamb. You can also try ground turkey, spicy Italian ground sausage, chopped roast, pretty much any type of meat you like.Onion – one large yellow onion works great in this recipe.Salt and pepper – to tasteGreen beans – use one can of French-style green beans, drained. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables, frozen beans, green peas, etc.Tomato sauce – a six-ounce can. If you don’t have tomato sauce, mix some tomato paste with water. You can also use a can of tomato soup for a rich tomato flavor.Cheddar cheese – top the mashed potato layer with some grated sharp cheddar cheese. YUM!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
First, make your mashed potatoes by dicing and boiling the potatoes in a large pot until fork tender. Then add butter, milk, salt and pepper and mash until the potatoes are light and fluffy.Next, brown your ground beef in a skillet with a tablespoon of oil (I like to use olive oil, but vegetable oil works great too) and add the onion. If you want extra flavor, you can season the beef with garlicsalt in addition to salt and pepper.Then, add a can of drained green beans.Finally, add the tomato sauce, and let the whole skillet simmer for a few minutes.Layer the meat mixture in a large casserole dish or in individual ramekin dishes.Spread the creamy mashed potatoes in an even layer over the top of the meat mixture.Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees.Remove the dishes and top the mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese.Finally, bake another five or so minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Tips
Growing up we always topped this with ketchup and to this day I still can’t eat shepherd’s pie without a good helping of ketchup. Judge me if you must. My husband loves it with Sriracha sauce and my cousins love it topped with Ranch dressing. Of course, it tastes delicious just plain too.For a bit of a sweeter, richer tomato flavor, add in a can or two of condensed tomato soup instead of tomato sauce.Garnish with parsley, rosemary, or thyme before serving.Add a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for a richer flavor.You can add as many veggies to the mixture as you like. I love green beans but you could also add green peas, diced carrots, corn, celery, or red peppers.
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What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe really is a full meal all in one dish. We usually serve it with a big green salad or a side of fruit but you could try any of these yummy side dishes too:
Waldorf Salad
The BEST Oven Roasted Asparagus
Nuts About Berries Salad
Creamy Green Pea Salad with Bacon
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