Few dishes deliver comfort quite like a classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef. This hearty, meaty bake layers savory ground beef cooked with aromatic vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden and bubbling. It turns simple, everyday ingredients into something magical—the perfect remedy for chilly evenings or when you just want a warm, filling meal.

What makes this version stand out? The use of seasoned ground beef gives it a flavorful twist on traditional lamb-based pies, while the mashed potato topping is made extra rich with butter and a touch of cream. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings both flavor and convenience.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this recipe, lean ground beef (85-90%) works best. It offers enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you prefer extra richness, you can mix in a bit of ground pork or use regular ground beef and drain excess fat after browning.

Ingredients for the Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85-90% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or freshly made)
2 tablespoons butter (for topping)

How To Make the Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced onions, carrots, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Filling

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the peas and cook 2 more minutes.

Step 4: Layer in the Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them with a spatula. Dot with butter.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. For an extra golden finish, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

How to Serve and Store Your Shepherd’s Pie

Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad for balance.

To store leftovers, let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pie up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. While homemade adds richness, instant mashed potatoes are a convenient and time-saving option.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to swap or add to the mix: corn, mushrooms, or green beans are all great additions.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, Shepherd’s Pie freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef.

Want More Comfort Food Casseroles?

If this cozy dish hits the spot, you’ll love exploring more comfort meals that are just as easy and satisfying:

Try the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, savory weeknight dinner.
Our Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta offers cheesy, bubbly goodness in every bite.
For a veggie-packed meal, check out Giant Zucchini Parmesan.
The One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is perfect for quick cleanup.
Or dive into this cheesy favorite: Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always within reach for cozy nights.

And if you try it, I’d love to hear about your version. Did you sneak in extra veggies? Try a cheesy topping?

Drop a comment or photo, and let’s swap ideas! You can find more comfort food inspiration over on my Pinterest, where I share daily recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef is the ultimate cozy, one-dish dinner. It combines a flavorful ground beef filling simmered with vegetables and herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until perfectly golden and bubbly. Ideal for a comforting family dinner or make-ahead meal.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

2. Add diced onions, carrots, and garlic to the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth and let simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in peas and cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and smooth with a spatula. Dot with butter.

5. Bake for 25 minutes or until top is golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired for extra color.