Simple Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe {Easy & Delicious}
When it comes to pure comfort food, few dishes compare to the warmth and satisfaction of a classic shepherd’s pie. This homemade shepherd’s pie recipe is a family favorite that combines protein-rich beef with a layer of sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes, creating a hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking for a reliable go-to recipe, this homemade shepherd’s pie is sure to impress!
For the perfect topping to this homemade shepherd’s pie, try our Rich & Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. And after you’ve tried this delicious shepherd’s pie, be sure to check out our other dinner recipes for more easy, yet satisfying meals. Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir Fry, Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Easy Dutch Oven Roast Chicken, and the Best Pot Roast Recipe with Savory Japanese Sweet Potatoes. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
You’ll love this shepherd’s pie for its simplicity and deliciousness. With a flavorful meat filling made from ground beef (ideally grass-fed), a layer of sweet corn, and topped with the creamiest mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. And the best part? It’s a great recipe that requires minimal prep and results in a hearty, satisfying meal.
Benefits of Grass-fed Beef
When making a homemade shepherd’s pie, choosing quality meat helps enhance not only the nutritional profile, but the flavor as well. Grass-fed ground beef is a great choice for this hearty shepherd’s pie, offering several benefits over conventional grain-fed beef.
- Grass-fed beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in supporting heart health, and help balance omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, grass-fed beef is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, and supporting the immune system.
- Grass-fed beef contains higher levels of certain vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamins A, and E. These nutrients play an important role in supporting overall health.
- The flavor of grass-fed beef is often described as richer and more robust compared to grain-fed beef. This is due to the natural diet of the cattle, which consists primarily of grass and forage. This richer, more complex flavor enhances the overall taste of your shepherd’s pie, making it all the more satisfying and delicious!
- Grass-fed beef is often produced using more sustainable farming practices. Cattle are raised on pasture, which can help support soil health and reduce the environmental impact associated with large-scale farming.
By choosing grass-fed ground beef for your shepherds pie, you’re not only enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish but also opting for a healthier and more ethically produced ingredient. The benefits of grass-fed beef make it a standout choice for creating the best shepherd’s pie and ensuring a nutritious, delicious meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- ground beef, ideally from grass-fed cows
- basil, thyme, and garlic powder (or fresh garlic cloves)
- frozen sweet corn
- mashed potatoes
- splash of beef broth (optional)
- dry red wine, or cooking wine (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your mashed potatoes. Find our family’s favorite mashed potato recipe here.
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
While your potatoes boil, heat a large sauté pan or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Add 2 lbs. of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Turn the burner down to medium heat.
Add 1 tsp each of basil, thyme, and garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic) to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to incorporate.
- If using a cast iron skillet, you can assemble the shepherd’s pie directly in the skillet. If not, transfer the ground beef mixture to the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish (or two 8×8) , spreading it out evenly.
Add a layer of 5 cups frozen corn over the beef mixture.
- Spread a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes (about 4-5 cups) over the corn, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. For an extra touch, create small peaks in the potatoes with a fork, which will turn golden brown in the oven.
Place the cast iron skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving, ensuring the entire dish is set and easy to serve.
Hint: To ensure the mashed potatoes spread easily and bake evenly, allow them to come to room temperature before spreading them over the meat and corn layers.
Substitutions
- Ground Beef – You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground lamb, or any other ground meat you prefer, or use a mix.
- Vegetables – Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas or carrots to the corn layer for added nutrients, flavor, and color.
Variations
- Cheesy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie – Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or Cast Iron Skillet – If using a cast iron skillet, you can also assemble and bake the shepherd’s pie directly in it.
- Casserole Dish – Either a single 9×13, or split the recipe between two 8×8‘s and freeze one for later!
- Wooden spoon
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through. Alternatively, you can split the recipe into two 8×8 casserole dishes, and label and freeze one for later. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Top tip
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the shepherd’s pie up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
FAQ
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness to the dish. Check out our Creamy Mashed Potato recipe for a sweet potato variation.
Shepherd’s pie can be a complete meal on its own, but a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables with a little butter and salt would each make a great side dish!
Yes, shepherd’s pie freezes well. Assemble the pie and let it cool completely, then cover tightly, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Avoid over-mixing the mashed potatoes. Mix just until combined for a fluffy, creamy texture.
More Holistic House Recipes
Looking for more wholesome recipes like this? Try these:
Simple Homemade Shepherd’s Pie Recipe {Easy & Delicious}
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or Cast Iron Skillet If using a cast iron skillet, you can also assemble and bake the shepherd's pie directly in it.
- Casserole Dish If not using a cast iron skillet, to assemble and bake the shepherd's pie.
- Wooden Spoon
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your mashed potatoes. Find our family's favorite mashed potato recipe in the post above.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- While your potatoes boil, heat a large sauté pan or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add 2 lbs ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Turn the burner down to medium heat.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
- Optional: Add a splash of beef broth or dry red wine to the meat while sautéing to deglaze the bottom of the pan and enhance the flavor.
- Add 1 tsp each of basil, thyme, and garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic) to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to incorporate.
- If using a cast iron skillet, you can assemble the shepherd's pie directly in the skillet. If not, transfer the ground beef mixture to the bottom of a large casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add a layer of 5 cups frozen corn over the beef mixture.
- Spread a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes (about 4-5 cups) over the corn, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. For an extra touch, create small peaks in the potatoes with a fork, which will turn golden brown in the oven.
- Place the cast iron skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the shepherd's pie to cool for a few minutes before serving, ensuring the entire dish is set and easy to serve.
Notes
- To ensure the mashed potatoes spread easily and bake evenly, allow them to come to room temperature before spreading them over the meat and corn layers.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the shepherd’s pie up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
