Simple Shepherds Pie with Instant Mashed Potatoes

This Simple Shepherds Pie recipe is tasty and comforting and so easy to make. While it makes a great comforting casserole, it also makes a fun St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

Perfectly baked ground beef with vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. I use instant mashed potatoes to save time. While this is more of a cottage pie, you can certainly use ground lamb for a true Shepherd’s pie. I originally made this recipe in 2018 and I have updated the photos and notes, without changing the recipe.

Shepherd’s Pie is one of those recipes that is so comforting and nostalgic for me. It is always tasty and so easy to make. This recipe is one I adapted from an old Betty Crocker recipe.

I used to think shepherd’s pie was one of those recipes that took forever to pull off. I figured it was too involved for a weeknight. But once I tried this version, I realized how simple and easy it really is. Most of the hands-on work is done in one skillet, and from there it practically takes care of itself in the oven.

If you love cozy dinners like this, you’ll definitely want to check out my Creamy Chicken Pot Pie too. It’s that same warm and satisfying energy in every single bite.

Why Try This Shepherd’s Pie recipe

Adaptable – This recipe does not have peas because my husband is not a fan of peas. But it is still super simple to make with other vegetables. I used Mexicorn to add a little color and flavor to the pie, but you can use canned or frozen mixed vegetables too.

Delicious – This shepherd’s pie has a rich, savory filling packed with seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and a flavorful broth. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection, it’s a meal worth looking forward to.

Simple and Easy – This recipe comes together quickly with wholesome ingredients you likely already have. Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze too.

Festive and Family-Friendly – Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a cozy holiday meal, this shepherd’s pie is always a hit. Your whole family is sure to love it, and it looks beautiful right out of the oven.

You can also freeze this casserole. See below for instructions on how to freeze Shepherd’s pie.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. The fat content keeps the filling rich and hearty.
• Tomato Paste – This adds a deep, savory richness to the beef mixture. Don’t skip it! A little goes a long way.
• Mexicorn – This is canned corn with diced peppers mixed in. It adds a little color and sweetness to the filling. Regular canned corn works too if that’s what you have.
• Beef Broth – This is what creates that saucy, flavorful base. Combined with a little flour, it thickens up into the most satisfying gravy-like filling.
• Mashed Potatoes – Use your favorite mashed potato recipe or even store-bought mashed potatoes to save time. My Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy, and absolutely deliriously scrumptious on top of this pie.
• all purpose flour
• instant mashed potatoes or cooked homemade mashed potatoes

Refer to recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

Step by Step Instructions Overview. Full details in recipe card.

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and butter your pie baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the ground beef and chopped onion in a little vegetable oil until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2 – Add the tomato paste, Mexicorn, cooked carrots, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Step 3 – In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and flour until the flour is fully dissolved. Pour the broth mixture into the skillet with the beef and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken up nicely.Pour the beef filling into your prepared pie dish.

Step 4  -Spoon half of the mashed potatoes over the top in dollops, then smooth them out so they cover the filling completely.

Step 5 – (this step is optional but I love how it looks) Fill a pastry bag with tip with the other half of the mashed potatoes and add dollops to the top of the casserole.

Step 6 Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the tops of the mashed potatoes are lightly golden. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the meat mixture before adding the mashed potato topping, or stir a handful into the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
• Swap the protein: Ground turkey or ground lamb both work in place of ground beef — use lamb if you want a true shepherd’s pie.
• Boost the flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce stirred into the meat mixture adds extra depth.
• Shortcut the gravy: A packet of brown gravy mix can stand in for the tomato paste and flour if you want a richer, more traditional gravy flavor.

Irish Meat Pies -Delicious mini meat and potato pies.

Sloppy Joe Casserole  – The delicious flavor of sloppy joes in a casserole.

We hope you enjoyed this easy Shepherds Pie recipe.

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie

This dish is a complete meal all on its own, but here are a few of my favorite ways to round it out.

Serve it alongside a simple green salad or some warm crusty bread for a fuller spread.

A side of Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower is a wonderful pairing – the roasted veggies complement the rich, savory filling so well.

How to Store Shepherd’s Pie

Store leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze shepherd’s pie for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Whenever I update a recipe, I like to include an original photo when it was first published – here it is.

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze shepherd’s pie?

Yes, this shepherd’s pie freezes well. Assemble the casserole in a foil-lined pie pan, let it cool completely to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in foil before freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, remove the foil and add extra time in the oven until heated through and the potato topping is golden brown.

How long does shepherd’s pie last in the fridge?

Store leftover shepherd’s pie covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dinner. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time since you’ll be starting from cold.

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?

True shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, while cottage pie uses ground beef. This recipe uses ground beef, so it’s technically a cottage pie, though most people use the terms interchangeably.

Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of instant?

Absolutely. Swap in 2 cups of your own mashed potatoes for the instant version if you prefer, or if you already have leftover mashed potatoes on hand.

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