If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, you’re going to absolutely love this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in rich, herb-infused gravy with a medley of veggies, all topped with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy, golden finish. This is not just any shepherd’s pie—this version elevates the classic with roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a depth of flavor that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a perfect dish to share with family or impress friends on a chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients like russet potatoes, ground beef, and aromatic herbs is the key to making this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe shine. Each component plays an important role: the potatoes create that dreamy mash, the beef delivers hearty savoriness, and the herbs, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce bring layers of mouthwatering flavor and color to the dish.
- Russet potatoes (1 ½ pounds): The perfect potato for creamy mashed topping with a fluffy texture.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds richness and moisture to the mashed potatoes.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Brings buttery flavor to the mash and helps create a smooth consistency.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a subtle nutty sharpness to the potatoes.
- Salt (2 ¼ teaspoons, divided): Balances flavors throughout the filling and mash.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoon, divided): Gives a mild kick and depth to the dish.
- Roasted garlic cloves (4, minced): Imparts a mellow, caramelized garlic flavor to the potatoes.
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons): A healthy oil for sautéing veggies and beef without overpowering flavors.
- Sweet onion (1 small, finely diced): Adds sweetness and softness to the filling.
- Celery ribs (3, finely diced): Provides fresh crunch and aromatic undertones.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the meat filling with vibrant garlicky notes.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90/10): Lean enough for juiciness without excess fat.
- Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Gives a rich umami boost and thickens the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds complexity and that iconic savory punch.
- Dried thyme, rosemary, parsley (¾ teaspoon each): Classic herbs that bring an earthy, aromatic charm.
- Beef broth (1 ½ cups): The flavorful base for the meat sauce that keeps everything moist.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 ½ cups): A colorful blend for added texture and nutrition.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness on top.
How to Make Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your kitchen adventure by preheating the oven to 400°F. Then give those potatoes a good scrub, peel, and cut them into nice 1-inch chunks so they will cook evenly and mash beautifully later.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender
Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boiling point, then lower the heat and simmer until fork-tender—this usually takes around 10 minutes. Perfectly cooked potatoes are the foundation for that silky smooth topping.
Step 3: Mash Potatoes to Creamy Perfection
Drain the potatoes well, return them to the pot, and add milk, butter, Parmesan cheese, roasted garlic, a teaspoon of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mash everything together until the texture is delightfully creamy with just a few lumps—you want some character here. Set this aside while you move on to the filling.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables for Layered Flavor
In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat and gently cook diced onion and celery until translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic last, cooking just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Step 5: Brown and Season the Ground Beef
Push the veggies to the side, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Stir in tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and your dried herbs along with the remaining salt and pepper. This combination will build the deep savory base we’re aiming for.
Step 6: Make the Rich Gravy and Add Veggies
Pour in the beef broth and lower the heat. Let everything simmer gently until the mixture thickens into a luscious gravy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cooking just a few more minutes to heat through without losing their color or texture.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake Your Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe
Spray a 7 x 11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Spread the savory meat mixture evenly on the bottom, then dollop mashed potatoes across the top. Use a spatula to spread smoothly and create rustic peaks that will crisp beautifully under the broiler.
Step 8: Bake and Broil to Golden-Crisp Glory
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and hot through. Finish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to get those edges golden and irresistibly crispy. Let your shepherd’s pie rest for 10 minutes to set before cutting and serving.
How to Serve Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley instantly lifts the dish with a burst of green color and fresh, herbal brightness. It’s a small touch that adds a wonderful contrast to the warm, hearty comfort food vibes.
Side Dishes
This shepherd’s pie is a meal in itself but pairing it with a simple crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables balances the richness perfectly. Something light and fresh helps keep the plate colorful and your taste buds excited.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual shepherd’s pies in small ramekins for a charming presentation that feels personal and cozy. You can also create a layered shepherd’s pie “trifle” in a clear casserole dish to show off all those lovely layers—that’s sure to wow guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal that tastes just as comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe for up to 2 months. Just cover it securely with heavy-duty foil or freezer wrap. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions but keep an eye on it so the potato topping stays fluffy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, so using lamb will bring you closer to the classic flavor. Just cook it the same way as the beef in the recipe.
What are the best vegetables to add to shepherd’s pie?
Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn are perfect because they keep their texture and add sweetness and color. You can also add green beans or mushrooms for extra variety.
Is it okay to use pre-made mashed potatoes?
While fresh mashed potatoes are best for texture and flavor, store-bought mashed potatoes can work in a pinch. Just try to choose a creamy and not overly processed option for the best results.
Can I prepare the pie in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the shepherd’s pie a few hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.
What’s the secret to getting the potato topping crispy?
Broiling the pie for a few minutes at the end creates those beautiful golden edges and peaks on the potatoes, giving you that delightful contrast of textures between creamy and crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and has just the right touch of comforting nostalgia. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too—give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (Better Than Ever!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This traditional shepherd’s pie recipe has been elevated with creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes and a savory ground beef and vegetable filling. It combines classic flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for a comforting family meal. The dish features tender potatoes mashed with roasted garlic and Parmesan, layered over a rich beef mixture simmered with aromatic herbs and vegetables, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Topping
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 roasted garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons salt (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
Ground Beef Filling
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 celery ribs (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
Garnish
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie later.
- Prep the potatoes: Rinse and scrub the russet potatoes to clean off any dirt, then peel and cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large Dutch oven or pot and cover them with at least 1 inch of water. Sprinkle in a pinch or two of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and maintain a rapid simmer for 10 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add whole milk, salted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and the minced roasted garlic. Mash together using a potato masher until the mixture is smooth and creamy with minimal lumps. Set aside.
- Cook the onion and celery: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. When shimmering, add the diced onion and celery and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced fresh garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the ground beef and cook it for 7–8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Stir in the tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until fully combined.
- Make the gravy and simmer: Pour in the beef broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer the mixture for 8–10 minutes until thickened and no longer runny. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until vegetables are warmed through.
- Assemble in baking dish: Lightly spray a 7 x 11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread the beef and vegetable filling evenly across the bottom. Place spoonfuls of the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. Use a spatula to smooth the potatoes completely over the beef, creating some decorative peaks with the spatula’s edge.
- Bake the shepherd’s pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping starts to brown. Then, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2–3 minutes to brown and crisp the edges of the mashed potatoes.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to set before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh color and flavor boost.
Notes
- Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet garlic flavor without harshness. You can roast garlic cloves wrapped in foil at 400°F for 30–40 minutes or use pre-roasted garlic.
- Using 90/10 ground beef keeps the filling juicy but not greasy.
- If you prefer, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, though it will change the classic taste.
- Make ahead tip: Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately, assemble, then refrigerate and bake within 24 hours.
- Leftover shepherd’s pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
