Ground beef shepherds pie

Here’s a detailed, classic recipe for Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie—hearty, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner:

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Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 45 min

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Ingredients

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for richer flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the ground beef filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, to thicken)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15–20 min).
2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Cook the ground beef filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Add mixed vegetables and beef broth.
5. Optional: sprinkle flour and stir to thicken slightly. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

3. Assemble the shepherd’s pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spoon mashed potatoes on top, spreading evenly.
4. Optional: use a fork to create texture on the potato surface for a golden crust.

4. Bake

• Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and edges are bubbling.

5. Serve

• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips

• For extra cheesy shepherd’s pie, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mashed potatoes before baking.
• You can make this ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
• Swap the ground beef with ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie.

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If you want, I can also give a one-pan, faster stovetop version that skips the oven but still tastes amazing.

Do you want me to do that?