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A plated serving of shepherd’s pie with golden topping and savory filling

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic

A comforting and hearty casserole with a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with golden mashed potatoes. This easy shepherd’s pie recipe can be made with beef, lamb, chicken, or ground turkey for a family-friendly dinner any night of the week.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine british
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup warm milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Filling

  • 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb substitute 1 lb ground turkey or 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 –2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef or chicken stock depending on meat used
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce as substitute
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 –2 tbsp flour optional, for thickening
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Prepare potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes). Drain, mash with butter and warm milk, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Cook vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Brown the meat: Add ground beef, lamb, or turkey. Cook until browned. If using shredded chicken, skip browning and add later with the sauce.
  • Build the filling: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour (if using). Slowly add stock, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened. Stir in peas.
  • Assemble the pie: Transfer filling to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top, sealing edges. Create ridges with a fork. Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
  • Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
  • Rest and serve: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Chicken Shepherd’s Pie: Use shredded cooked chicken with chicken stock and a splash of cream for a lighter filling.
  • Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Use turkey with turkey stock, add soy sauce or smoked paprika for richness.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute lentils and mushrooms for meat.
  • Cheesy Topping: Add cheddar or parmesan for extra crisp flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the pie up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.