Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

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Delicious easy ground beef shepherd's pie served in a rustic dish
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why make this recipe

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish that combines hearty ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners. It’s simple to prepare and can be made in just about an hour. The blend of savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes topped with melting cheese is not only delicious but also filling. This dish is great for using leftover vegetables and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste.

how to make Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until very soft. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in frozen vegetables and parsley. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer beef mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
  5. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
Easy Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie

how to serve Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Serve the Shepherd’s Pie hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad for some extra crunch. It’s a great meal for family gatherings or even a cozy night in.

how to store Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

You can store leftover Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Easy Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

  • Use leftover roast beef or cooked chicken if you have it on hand for a different twist.
  • Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the ground beef for added flavor.
  • Make it a day ahead and bake it just before serving for an easier meal prep.

variation

You can add different vegetables like corn or green beans to the filling. For a twist on the mashed potatoes, try mixing in some cream cheese or sour cream for creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and makes the dish a bit lighter.

2. Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking or after. Just wrap it well and store it for up to 3 months.

3. What can I serve with Shepherd’s Pie?
It’s great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie

A comforting dish combining hearty ingredients, perfect for family dinners. Quick to prepare with savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Half adds creaminess to mashed potatoes; half for topping.

For the Beef Filling

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions
 

Preparation of Mashed Potatoes

  • Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until very soft. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Preparation of Beef Filling

  • Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir for 1 minute.
  • Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in frozen vegetables and parsley. Simmer until thickened.

Assembly and Baking

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer beef mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.

Notes

Leftover Shepherd's Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Use leftover roast beef or cooked chicken for different variations. Add herbs or spices for more flavor. Make ahead and bake just before serving for easier meal prep. You can add different vegetables like corn or green beans to the filling. For creaminess in the mashed potatoes, try mixing in some cream cheese or sour cream.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Ground Beef, Shepherd's Pie