Description
Looking for a cozy, hearty, and family-approved dinner idea? This Easy Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes in a single, soul-warming dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal preps, it’s a one-pan wonder packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, a healthy-ish comfort meal, or food ideas for picky eaters, this classic shepherd’s pie has you covered. It’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and effortlessly delicious—everything you want in an easy recipe.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel and chop potatoes; boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion; cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Mix in tomato paste; stir to coat meat. Cook for another minute to deepen flavor.
5. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cook another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour filling into baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top and smooth out evenly.
8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using.
9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For creamier mashed potatoes, warm the milk and butter before mixing.
Make sure the meat filling isn’t too watery—let it simmer down before assembling.
Use a fork to texture the mashed potato topping; it browns more beautifully in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy shepherd’s pie, comfort food, one-dish meal, freezer-friendly dinner, ground beef recipe