• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Art and the Kitchen
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

    Super Shepherd's Pie

    November 1, 2022 by Laureen King

    Share
    Pin
    Tweet
    Jump to Recipe
    Super Shepherd’s Pie is one of my family’s most requested recipes. This ultimate comfort food recipe has a rich tasty gravy, ground beef, veggies topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. via @artandthekitchSuper Shepherd's Pie is one of my family's most requested recipes. This ultimate comfort food recipe has a rich tasty gravy, ground beef, veggies topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. via @artandthekitch

    Super Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate comfort food recipe! A savory casserole of ground beef and vegetables simmered in a rich gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.

    Shepherd's pie in stainless steel skillet.

    What is the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie?

    The traditional Shepherd's pie came from England and was made with minced lamb. The American version commonly referred to as Cottage Pie uses ground beef. Ground beef is more readily available in North America and has become the more popular version of this classic recipe.

    Casseroles or dinner pies are a great way to feed the family. Two other budget friendly meals you will want to try are Baked Spaghetti Pie and Classic Tuna Casserole.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients measured out for shepherd's pie.

    Ground beef - use extra lean ground beef. I have found that regular ground beef is too fatty. Minced lamb can be used for a more traditional recipe.

    Vegetables - fresh and frozen vegetables are used in this recipe. Canned vegetables will bake up too mushy.

    Potatoes - Yukon gold are my favorite for making mashed potatoes.

    Butter - butter is added to the mashed potatoes giving them an extra creamy flavor.

    Milk - whole milk is added to the mashed potatoes. For a richer and creamier layer of mashed potatoes you can use cream.

    Thyme - this herb adds a subtle hint of flavor. If you do not like thyme, simply leave it out.

    Tomato paste - tomato paste compliments the ground beef for an extra punch of flavor.

    Beef gravy mix - prepared as per packet directions. In addition to adding more savory flavor, the gravy will ensure the Super Shepherd's pie is saucy, not dry.

    Plate of baked Shepherd's pie.

    Variations and substitutions

    • Using ground turkey in shepherd's pie is a healthy alternative to ground beef.
    • Try some different vegetables like celery, zucchini, red peppers and mushrooms.
    • Instead of using regular mashed potatoes, this recipe tastes incredible topped with my garlic mashed potatoes.
    • Top with melted cheddar cheese.

    Some great additions for extra seasoning

    ½ cup red wine

    1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

    ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

    This easy shepherd's pie recipe is such a hearty one pot meal you do not need any sides, but if you like, make a simple green salad like my tossed pomegranate salad.

    How to make Shepherd's Pie

    Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain.

    Stainless steel pot of cooked cubed potatoes.

    Add the butter and milk. Mash with potato masher until fluffy, set aside.

    Potato masher mashing potatoes in stainless steel pot.

    Using a large heavy skillet add ground beef, salt and pepper. Fully cook the meat and set aside.

    Stainless steel skillet filled with cooked ground beef. Wooden spoon stirring.

    Using the same skillet drain fat from skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add onions, carrots and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until tender.

    Carrots, onions and garlic cooking in stainless steel skillet. Wooden spoon stirring mixture.

    Stir in the green beans, corn and peas. Simmer for about 4-5 minutes.

    Stainless steel skillet filled with cooked carrots, green beans, peas and onions. Wooden spoon stirring mixture.

    Prepare the gravy mix as per package directions.

    Prepared gravy in stainless steel pot.

    Mix together the gravy, ground beef and vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste and thyme, then spread into a 2 quart casserole dish.

    Stainless steel skillet filled with cooked ground beef and vegetables in gravy.

    Top with the mashed potato mixture. Cover and bake at 350º fahrenheit for 40-50 minutes.

    Mashed potatoes being scooped onto cooked ground beef, gravy and vegetable mixture.

    Optional - Add shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

    Baked shepherd's pie in stainless steel pan.

    Can you freeze Shepherd's Pie?

    Super Shepherd's Pie freezes very well for up to 3 months. Cover with plastic wrap, and store in airtight container. Thaw and bake for 50-60 minutes.

    This post was originally published on June 27, 2015. Occasionally I update with fresh tips, content, and photos. Current update April 28, 2021.

    Stainless steel baking dish filled with baked shepherd's pie.

    Super Shepherd's Pie

    Laureen King
    Pure comfort food Shepherd's pie consists of ground beef and veggies in a savoury gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
    4.08 from 204 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, English
    Servings 8
    Calories 314 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1½ pounds extra lean ground beef
    • 7 medium potatoes 6-7 cups raw, chopped
    • 3 carrots chopped 2 ½ cups raw, chopped
    • 1 onion chopped about 1 cup
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 cup corn frozen or fresh
    • 1 cup green beans frozen or fresh
    • 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon thyme
    • 6 tablespoons butter
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 packet beef gravy mix prepared as per instructions
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

    Instructions
     

    • Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain.
    • Add the butter and milk. Mash with potato masher until fluffy. Set aside.
    • Using a large heavy skillet add ground beef, salt and pepper. Cook until meat is browned. Set aside.
    • Using the same skillet drain fat from skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add onions, carrots and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until tender.
    • Stir in the green beans, corn and peas. Simmer for about 4-5 minutes.
    • In the meantime prepare the gravy mix as per package directions.
    • Mix together the gravy, ground beef and vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste and thyme.  Spread mixture into 2 quart casserole dish.
    • Top with the mashed potatoes. Cover and bake at 350º fahrenheit for 40-50 minutes.
    • Optional - add shredded cheddar cheese. Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until has melted.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 547mgPotassium: 566mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4578IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 153mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Shepherd's pie, Shepherds Pie, Super Shepherds Pie, Cottage Pie
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Pan of shepherd's pie with scoop taken out.
    Share
    Pin
    Tweet

    More Beef Recipes

    • Pot of Irish beef stew with carrots, potatoes, celery in brown gravy.
      Irish Stew
    • pan seared meatballs with rich creamy sauce in cast iron pan
      Swedish Meatballs
    • Slice of pie with layers of spaghetti, meat sauce and cheese.
      Baked Spaghetti Pie
    • Beef stroganoff on bed of broad noodles, garnished with green onions.
      Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tisha

      January 03, 2019 at 2:15 pm

      5 stars
      First time ever making shepherds pie. This was amazing . My family enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        January 07, 2019 at 8:57 am

        Thank you Tisha, so glad your family enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
        • Kat

          October 15, 2020 at 1:11 am

          This is just like my Shepherds Pie, except I use tomato soup. I've been making it for 50 years. Everybody raves about it.

          Reply
          • Laureen King

            October 15, 2020 at 6:16 am

            Hi Kat, tomato soup sounds like a tasty addition!

            Reply
        • Bob

          November 05, 2022 at 2:47 pm

          1 star
          Look, another crap Shepherd's Pie recipe incorrectly made with beef.

          Reply
          • John

            November 07, 2022 at 4:48 am

            Take no notice Bob, the same people probably crumb pork chops and call them chicken schnitzels !!

            Reply
          • Bob Morrison

            January 27, 2023 at 6:01 pm

            5 stars
            Oh look! It’s the Shepherd’s Pie sheriffs …. cracking down on delinquent, free recipe providers. God save the King!

            Reply
    2. John

      January 07, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      If you STILL think it's correct to make Shepherd's Pie with BEEF and not LAMB then I can only imagine your recipe for Tuna Casserole having crab meat in lieu of tuna and your jam doughnuts containing marmalade instead of jam......!! Such fun in the kitchen for kiddies.. haha !!

      Reply
      • Bmomma89

        July 09, 2019 at 9:00 pm

        5 stars
        John you seem very angry. Perhaps you should save your angry and toxic comments for somewhere more appropriate.

        This recipe was divine! I wouldn't have minded if you want to call it shepards pot pie. Haha..delicious and thank you for sharing it with us!

        Reply
        • John

          October 23, 2020 at 8:31 pm

          Oh Dear, fancy you thinking I’m angry. Not at all. I always enjoy a Shepherd’s Pie, but unlike the many faux cooks around, I always use real lamb. Once my pie is cooked and I’m enjoying the first tasty mouthful I then of that little poem “Mary had a little Lamb”...... and I smile to myself, and think ‘we’ll this one sure ain’t going to be Mary’s’.......!!

          Reply
      • KenO

        October 20, 2020 at 5:04 pm

        Shepherds frequently cooked with beef, without harming any of their own flock. A passing cow was fair game wherever they went!

        Reply
      • Bob Morrisson

        January 27, 2023 at 6:06 pm

        5 stars
        By your logic, Shepherd’s Pie should ONLY be made with the meat of ground shepherds while Irish Stew would be made from some fine Irishman’s sorry arse. Well?

        Reply
    3. evette

      February 26, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Used this recipe on a ‘grandmas teaching the boys how to cook’ night. They absolutely loved it!! Each one added their own twist to show off their skills and they’re still discussing ways to make even more yummy. My family considers this a winner!

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        February 27, 2019 at 10:15 am

        What an awesome idea to have a "how to cook" night. Thrilled you would have used one of my recipes! Thanks

        Reply
    4. Stacey Armentrout

      March 11, 2019 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this ... and although it is not a “CLASSIC” Shepherds Pie as so many were to comment.

      I do know my family enjoyed it emensly, my pocket book was happy.
      My only complaint was no leftovers.

      THANK YOU FOR AN EASY AND DELICIOUS go to recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        March 13, 2019 at 4:20 pm

        Thank you Stacey, great to hear your family enjoyed the recipe.

        Reply
    5. Linda

      April 04, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      My mom was from the depression era and when she made this she always used to cook the ground beef w/onions and when it was thoroughly cooked she drained the fat off and added 1 can of Campbells vegetable soup saved all the prep. They knew life a little cheaper and easier.

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        April 06, 2019 at 9:45 pm

        Our Mom's and Grandma's sure knew how to make great food on a limited budget.

        Reply
    6. Eileen

      April 25, 2019 at 10:37 pm

      Can I make ahead and freeze this recipe?

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        April 28, 2019 at 8:48 pm

        For sure Eileen

        Reply
    7. sharyn

      June 13, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      presentation is everything. What mold did you use to make your super shepherd's pie look amazing

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        June 15, 2019 at 3:19 pm

        Hi Sharyn, I used a 3.5 inch food ring. You can buy them on amazon in all kinds of sizes.

        Reply
    8. Karen O

      July 04, 2019 at 10:32 am

      Can’t wait to make this. Question...looks like made in a cast iron skillet. I noticed in directions, to put in casserole. Which one should be used!!

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        July 08, 2019 at 5:21 pm

        Karen, the photo you see was my stainless steel skillet. I have made it in a dutch oven casserole dish and even just a glass baking dish and it tastes wonderful in what ever pan you choose.

        Reply
    9. Pam

      November 15, 2019 at 9:05 am

      I am trying this recipe tonight.Its similar to how I make mine but I cheat and used canned vegetable soup the way my mom made it when I was growing up.I cook for independant seniors and like to give them better options for nutrition.This looks delish Laureen.

      Reply
    10. Alexis

      December 12, 2019 at 6:18 am

      I love shepherds pie!! I’m making this tonight!!! I hate the taste of lamb so I love recipes that use beef so maybe we should call it cowherds pie or possibly cattle pie for the peanut gallery who’s oh so technical about their food name stipulations .. thank you!!!

      Reply
    11. Bonnie Duff

      April 26, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      This is really good. The only think I would suggest is to microwave the carrots for a few minutes. Otherwise it is perfect. Thanks

      Reply
    12. Shay

      January 06, 2021 at 11:52 am

      Hi, what kind of beef gravy mix do you suggest?

      Thank you! Trying tonight
      Sharon

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        January 06, 2021 at 3:00 pm

        My preference is McCormick Gourmet packaged Roast Gravy, but have also used Club House brown gravy mix. Mix either as per package instructions.

        Reply
      • John

        January 06, 2021 at 10:04 pm

        If you want real flavour forget all the PACKET mixes....use beef stock...or even chicken stock !

        Reply
    13. Jennifer

      March 18, 2021 at 8:33 pm

      Loved it!

      Reply
    14. Anita Evans

      June 02, 2022 at 11:35 am

      This is the best Shepherd's Pie I have ever made. I use frozen vegetables (two pkg) instead of fresh vegetables. The gravy sauce is what makes it so delicious.

      Reply
    15. Debbie Toth

      March 13, 2023 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      The best cottage pie ever! We did use all the extra suggested seasonings including the wine (which I wish were included on the printable copy of the recipe) in addition to adding to our mashed potatoes a smidge of thyme and a little sour cream, topping with the cheese. For the gravy mix we used the new 12 oz. carton of McCormick Simply Better Beef gravy. I loved it so much that I am tossing out all my other recipes for shepherd's/cottage pie! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Laureen King

        March 14, 2023 at 7:40 pm

        Thank you Debbie, I will add additions to the printable, thanks for the suggestion.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Trackbacks

    1. Classic Tuna Casserole | Art and the Kitchen says:
      January 7, 2019 at 8:22 am

      […] If you like casserole recipes be sure to try my family favorite recipe for Super Shepherds Pie […]

      Reply
    2. Baked Spaghetti Pie | Art and the Kitchen says:
      February 24, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      […] Super Shepherd's Pie […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    Laureen King

    I am Laureen, creator of Art and the Kitchen. On my blog you will find a collection or amazing recipes from homestyle-comfort food, gourmet and exceptional baking recipes! 

    more about me!

    Popular Recipes

    • pan seared meatballs with rich creamy sauce in cast iron pan
      Swedish Meatballs
    • slice of creamy New York Cheesecake on a plate
      Tall and Creamy New York Cheesecake
    • Slice of pumpkin pie with layers of pumpkin, cream cheese and whipped cream on amber coloured glass plate.
      No Bake Triple Layer Pumpkin Pie
    • Bowl of ham and bean soup garnish with slice of garlic toast.
      Ham and Bean Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top


    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • Sign Up for emails to get the latest recipes and updates!
    • Contact
    • About

    Copyright © 2023 Art and the Kitchen