Here’s a classic ground beef Shepherd’s Pie recipe that’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but ground beef works perfectly and is often called “cottage pie.”
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the mashed potato topping:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼–½ cup milk (adjust for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
2. Make the beef filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and carrots, sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Add peas in the last 2 minutes.
3. Assemble the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish (about 9×9 inches or similar).
- Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture on top (helps it brown nicely).
- Optional: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
✅ Tips:
- For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms along with the onions.
- If you like a thicker filling, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with a little water and stir in before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
If you want, I can also give you a shortcut version that uses one skillet and mashed potatoes on top for even faster cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?
