Shepherd's pie with golden mashed potato topping in a baking dish

Savory meat filling under creamy mashed potatoes

Shepherd's Pie with Beef

Name: Shepherd's Pie with Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 casserole
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 large onion, diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 4 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup milk

1hMedium

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

40 min

Total Time

1 hr

Servings

1 casserole

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Budget

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Shepherd's Pie with Beef

Savory meat filling under creamy mashed potatoes

A hearty beef and vegetable filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. The ultimate comfort food casserole.

20m

Prep Time

40m

Cook Time

60m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

French Cuisine Main Course Gluten-Free

Sarah Chen

September 13, 2021(Updated April 13, 2026)

Technically a cottage pie when made with beef, this beloved dish is comfort food at its finest. A savory, gravy-rich meat filling bubbles away under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes that brown beautifully in the oven.

This is a fantastic way to feed a crowd or prep for the week. It reheats beautifully and honestly tastes even better the second day.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 large onion, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
4 tbsp butter
1/2 cup milk

OvenBake

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Instructions

1
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash with butter and milk, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2
Cook ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces, until browned. Drain excess fat.
3
Add onion and cook 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp flour. Cook 1 minute.
4
Add broth and peas and carrots. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.
5
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. Run a fork across the top to create ridges.
6
Broil on high for 3-5 minutes until the peaks are golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette

Substitutions

Ground beefGround lamb

Lamb is the traditional choice for true shepherd's pie.

Russet potatoesYukon Gold potatoes

Yukon Golds make a creamier, butterier mash.

Frozen peas and carrotsFresh vegetables

Use fresh diced carrots (cook 5 minutes longer) and fresh or frozen peas.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Make sure the mashed potatoes are thick — too loose and they will sink into the filling.
Fork the top of the potatoes to create ridges that brown nicely under the broiler.
Let the filling cool slightly before topping with potatoes for easier spreading.
Add a layer of shredded cheddar between the filling and potatoes for extra richness.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 large scoop) · 6 servings

Calories420

LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein28g

Carbohydrates34g

Fat18g

Fiber4g

Sugar3g

Sodium680mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a shepherd's pie or cottage pie?: Traditionally, shepherd's pie uses lamb and cottage pie uses beef. This beef version is commonly called either name.
Can I make it ahead?: Yes, assemble fully, refrigerate, and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Can I use sweet potatoes?: Yes, sweet potato topping adds a nice contrast to the savory filling.

Explore More

More French Recipes More Main Course Gluten-Free Recipes Stovetop Recipes Oven Recipes

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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Instructions

1
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash with butter and milk, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2
Cook ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces, until browned. Drain excess fat.
3
Add onion and cook 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp flour. Cook 1 minute.
4
Add broth and peas and carrots. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.
5
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling. Run a fork across the top to create ridges.
6
Broil on high for 3-5 minutes until the peaks are golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

Make sure the mashed potatoes are thick — too loose and they will sink into the filling.
Fork the top of the potatoes to create ridges that brown nicely under the broiler.
Let the filling cool slightly before topping with potatoes for easier spreading.
Add a layer of shredded cheddar between the filling and potatoes for extra richness.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a shepherd's pie or cottage pie?

Traditionally, shepherd's pie uses lamb and cottage pie uses beef. This beef version is commonly called either name.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble fully, refrigerate, and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potato topping adds a nice contrast to the savory filling.

Shepherd's Pie with Beef

Shepherd's Pie with Beef

Shepherd's Pie with Beef