Name: Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3/4 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared); 2 tablespoons salted butter (for potatoes); 1/4 cup milk (for potatoes); 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

A cozy classic made with rich, seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a pillowy layer of golden mashed potatoes, Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to batch-cook a warm and satisfying dish, this one-skillet meal brings hearty flavors together in the most satisfying way.

Bubbling with savory gravy and topped with beautifully browned potatoes, this version of shepherd’s pie comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. It’s rustic, nourishing, and incredibly adaptable. Think of it as a hug in a skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and weeknight practicality. It uses ground beef for convenience but doesn’t compromise on depth of flavor. The beef is simmered with onions, garlic, peas, carrots, and a rich tomato base that brings it all together. It’s then blanketed with buttery mashed potatoes that crisp beautifully under the broiler.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, you’ll love how straightforward this dish is to prepare. It’s also ideal for make-ahead dinners or even freezer meals, with ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Sauté Pan: This allows you to cook the beef mixture and bake the pie in one dish, saving time and cleanup. The skillet also helps achieve those beautiful crispy potato edges.
Potato Masher or Hand Mixer: For creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that spread easily and bake evenly.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring ground beef and vegetables without scratching your pan.
Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Prepping fresh veggies is faster and safer with a good-quality blade.
Broiler or Oven: To brown the mashed potato topping and lock in the cozy, golden finish.

These tools are straightforward, but they each play a crucial role in nailing the texture, layering, and presentation of your shepherd’s pie.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Each ingredient in this dish brings a specific texture and layer of flavor that creates a balanced and comforting bite:

Ground Beef (80/20 blend): The star protein. It delivers a rich, meaty flavor that soaks up the gravy base perfectly.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed. It’s the aromatic base of the filling.
Garlic Cloves: A touch of sharpness and warmth to deepen the savoriness.
Carrots: Provide sweetness and color. They hold their bite for contrast.
Frozen Peas: Add a pop of freshness and a hint of sweetness.
Tomato Paste: Enhances the umami and gives body to the gravy.
Beef Broth: Builds the savory, rich sauce for the filling.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tang and bold umami that elevates the whole pie.
Thyme (fresh or dried): Brings herbal depth and pairs wonderfully with beef.
Mashed Potatoes (prepared): Creamy and buttery, they become a golden, crusty top layer that seals in flavor.
Salted Butter & Milk (for potatoes): Help create a soft and rich texture for the topping.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.

How To Make the Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Filling

Stir in diced carrots, tomato paste, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly and the carrots begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes. Add peas during the last 2 minutes of simmering.

Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the filling simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes if not using leftovers. Mash boiled potatoes with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Use a spoon to create rustic peaks for browning.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the potato topping. Remove and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is best served warm, right out of the oven after a short resting period. That 5-10 minute rest allows the layers to settle, making it easier to scoop out clean portions without the filling spilling out too much. Garnish with a little chopped parsley or extra cracked pepper for a fresh touch.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted green beans to add freshness and crunch to your plate.

To store leftovers, transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual servings or the entire pie (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef is best for shepherd’s pie?

A blend of 80/20 ground beef offers the perfect balance of flavor and moisture without becoming greasy. Leaner blends can be used but may require a splash more broth.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked, covered tightly. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. While fresh mashed potatoes give the best texture and flavor, instant mashed potatoes work well in a pinch and can still crisp beautifully under the broiler.

What vegetables can I substitute?

Feel free to use corn, green beans, or mushrooms instead of peas or carrots. This recipe is great for using up what you have on hand.

How do I keep the mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?

Let the meat mixture cool slightly before topping it with the potatoes. This helps prevent the layers from mixing and keeps the topping crisp.

Can I use ground turkey or lamb instead of beef?

Yes! Ground lamb will give a more traditional flavor, while ground turkey provides a lighter option. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to match the protein.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie, don’t miss out on these hearty and satisfying recipes from the blog:

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a savory twist on a pantry staple.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce when you want crispy chicken with creamy depth.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese if you’re craving cheesy comfort with a kick.
Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta that brings pasta night to another level.

These recipes are weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and full of soul-warming flavor.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add corn or swap in ground turkey? Maybe topped it with cheese? I love seeing your twists on the classics.

Have questions or need ideas for leftovers? Drop them below — let’s share some cooking wisdom.