If you adore comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (but better!) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. We’ve taken the classic shepherd’s pie and elevated it with roasted garlic mashed potatoes paired with a rich, hearty ground beef filling loaded with tender vegetables and fragrant herbs. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that transform this familiar dish into something extraordinary that your family and friends will keep asking for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients brings out the depth of flavor and texture in this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (but better!) Recipe. Each component contributes something special, from the creamy mashed potatoes to the savory meat filling with fresh herbs and vegetables that brighten every spoonful.
- Russet potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Their starchy texture makes for the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes that hold peaks beautifully.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds richness and moisture to the mashed potatoes without overpowering them.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Infuses warmth and buttery smoothness into the potatoes and enriches the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Boosts umami and adds a subtle tang that complements the roasted garlic perfectly.
- Salt (2 ¼ teaspoons divided): Balances flavors throughout both the potato topping and the meat mixture.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoon divided): Provides a gentle kick and brightens the overall flavor.
- Roasted garlic cloves (4, minced): Give a deep, sweet garlic aroma that elevates the mashed potatoes wonderfully.
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral, healthy oil ideal for sautéing the vegetables without masking their taste.
- Sweet onion (1 small, diced): Adds natural sweetness and tender texture to the filling.
- Celery ribs (3, diced): Bring subtle crunch and aromatics that balance the richness of the meat.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic bursts enhance the savory filling with bright, punchy flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90/10): Lean enough to be hearty but still juicy, forming the protein base of the dish.
- Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the savoriness of the meat.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy for a luscious, comforting texture.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds complexity and tangy depth that makes the filling irresistibly rich.
- Dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley (¾ teaspoon each): Earthy herbs that give the filling that classic warmth and fresh aroma.
- Beef broth (1 ½ cups): Creates the perfect savory sauce binding all ingredients together.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 ½ cups): A colorful medley for added texture and bursts of sweetness in each bite.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional, finely chopped): A fresh herbal finish to brighten the pie before serving.
How to Make Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (but better!) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 400°F so it’s ready once the pie is assembled. Meanwhile, rinse and scrub your potatoes carefully to remove any dirt; then peel and cut them into roughly one-inch chunks so they cook evenly and mash smoothly.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Potatoes
Place the potato chunks into a large pot with enough water to cover by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender — about 10 minutes. Drain them completely and return the potatoes to the pot. Add milk, butter, Parmesan, some salt and pepper, plus the roasted garlic. Mash everything together until perfectly creamy with just a few small lumps remaining. Set aside the velvety mash while you focus on the filling.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Brown the Beef
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the onion and celery; cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent, releasing sweetness. Add fresh minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds. Push the veggies to one side, add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains—about 7 or 8 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Flavors
Mix in tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, plus the remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything well so the meat is fully coated and fragrant. Pour in beef broth and reduce heat to low, letting the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook 2 to 3 more minutes so they heat through without losing their vibrant color.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spray a 7×11 inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then spread the meaty filling evenly on the bottom. Place dollops of mashed potatoes atop the beef, then use a spatula to smooth and completely cover the filling. Create peaks on the potato surface with the back of your spatula for that classic golden crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then switch to broil for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp and brown the edges. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like.
How to Serve Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (but better!) Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley adds a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that balances the richness of the pie. For an extra indulgent touch, a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the crispy potato topping can turn simple into special.
Side Dishes
This shepherd’s pie is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans provides lovely textural contrast and adds a fresh, vibrant bite. A crusty loaf of bread on the side is always appreciated to scoop up any remaining gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want something fun, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets for everyone. You can also layer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag and create elegant swirls on top before baking. These little details make the dish look just as impressive as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover leftover shepherd’s pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through and bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). For a crisp top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
Absolutely! Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, and swapping it in adds an authentic touch with a richer flavor. Just follow the same cooking steps and seasoning amounts.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Frozen mixed vegetables with peas, carrots, and corn are convenient and colorful, but you can also use fresh green beans, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini for variety.
How do I make the potatoes extra fluffy?
Be sure to use starchy russet potatoes and drain them well after boiling. Mashing while the potatoes are hot and adding warm milk and butter helps achieve that creamy, fluffy texture.
Is it okay to use milk substitutes?
Yes! Whole milk provides richness, but you can swap it with cream, half-and-half, or non-dairy alternatives like oat milk for a similar result. Just choose a creamier option for best texture.
Can I prepare this recipe entirely in advance?
You can make the filling and mashed potatoes separately a day ahead and assemble before baking. Or assemble the full dish and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving to save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a well-made shepherd’s pie, and this Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (but better!) Recipe takes that feeling to the next level. From the creamy garlic-infused potatoes to the rich, savory beef filling bursting with herbs and veggies, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely encourage you to try it soon—it’s a delicious way to nourish yourself and your loved ones with a meal that feels both classic and elevated.
Print
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (but better!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Traditional Shepherd’s Pie recipe combines tender ground beef and mixed vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy broiled top, it’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ¼ teaspoons salt (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 4 roasted garlic cloves (minced)
Ground Beef Filling
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 celery ribs (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie later.
- Prep the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub russet potatoes to clean them thoroughly. Peel and chop into roughly 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water by at least 1 inch, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until fork tender.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Add whole milk, butter, Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and roasted minced garlic. Mash until mostly smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Push veggies to one side of the skillet, add ground beef, and cook for 7-8 minutes breaking it apart until no pink remains. Stir in tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until well mixed.
- Simmer the Gravy: Pour in beef broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook 2-3 minutes more to combine flavors.
- Assemble the Pie: Spray a 7×11 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread the meat and vegetable filling evenly across the bottom. Add dollops of mashed potatoes on top and use a spatula to spread it to cover completely, creating small peaks with the spatula’s side.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through. Switch oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until mashed potato edges are browned and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Roasted garlic adds a mellow depth of flavor to mashed potatoes; you can roast garlic cloves ahead of time or use store-bought roasted garlic.
- Using 90/10 ground beef ensures a good balance between flavor and fat, but you can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie.
- For extra crispy mashed potato topping, broil carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on your preference – peas, carrots, and corn work well.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven.
