When the temperatures drop and you’re craving something warm, filling, and satisfying, Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. This cozy, casserole-style dish is a favorite for a reason—it’s made with a rich meat and veggie filling, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until bubbly and golden.
Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb. But when you use ground beef instead, it’s called Cottage Pie—though many people still refer to it as shepherd’s pie. Regardless of the name, it’s a delicious, crustless savory pie that brings comfort in every bite.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy Sundays when you want something hearty and homey without too much fuss. This recipe comes together with simple ingredients: ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, corn, gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes.
You can customize it based on what you have in the fridge, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully—hello, meal prep win!
Whether you call it Cottage Pie or Shepherd’s Pie, this dish deserves a regular spot on your fall and winter dinner rotation. Let’s dig in!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 10 oz frozen peas and carrots defrosted
- 10.5 oz can corn drained
- 10 oz can tomato soup or mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon basil
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
INSTRUCTIONS
1 ) Preheat oven to 400°F.
2 ) Cook lamb or beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
3 ) Stir in soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, basil, and pepper. Spread into the bottom of a 2 qt casserole dish. Sprinkle with peas, carrots, and corn.
4 ) Spoon mashed potatoes over top and top with cheese.
5 ) Baked 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
- PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND:
- => All-Clad Hard-Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan
- => AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned
- => Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan
Pro Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
Brown the Beef Well: Get a good sear on the beef to deepen the flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Add Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, rosemary, or thyme give the filling extra depth and a delicious aroma.
Use Frozen Mixed Veggies for Speed: No need to chop—grab a bag of frozen peas, carrots, corn, and green beans to save time.
Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Whip your mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and a little cheese for an ultra-smooth, flavorful topping.
Top with Cheese for a Crispy Finish: Sprinkle some cheddar or parmesan over the mashed potatoes before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the pie to sit for 10 minutes after baking—this helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Great way to repurpose extra mashed potatoes from a holiday dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
A: Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with ground beef. The names are often used interchangeably, but that’s the technical difference.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble it 1–2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Q3: Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and cool it completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F until heated through (about 60 minutes).
Q4: What vegetables work best in this recipe?
A: Common choices are peas, carrots, corn, celery, and green beans. Fresh, frozen, or even canned will work depending on what you have on hand.
Q5: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Definitely! This is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal. Just warm them slightly so they spread easily over the filling.
Q6: How do I thicken the filling?
A: If the filling feels too runny, stir in 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch while cooking to help thicken the gravy.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not by default, but it can be! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, and make sure all packaged ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free.
Q8: What can I serve with shepherd’s pie?
A: It’s a full meal on its own, but a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts go perfectly.
Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—just use plant-based butter and milk for the mashed potatoes, and skip the cheese topping.
Q10: How long should I bake it?
A: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this soup? Check out more comforting and delicious recipes:
Best Microwaves for Your Kitchen – The best appliances to make meal prep easier! Best Air Fryers to Buy – Crispy meals with less oil! Best Espresso Machines – Upgrade your morning coffee routine!
Why call it “Shepherd’s pie” when you know with beef it’s called “Cottage pie” which you mentioned but then you keep calling it by the wrong name?