Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This easy casserole recipe combines a rich, savory filling with golden-brown mashed potatoes, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a hearty weeknight meal, this shepherd’s pie is flavorful, filling, and made with simple ingredients like beef, frozen vegetables, and pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• Garlic salt, for seasoning
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour if not gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free reduced-sodium tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
• 14.5 oz (1 can) chicken broth
• 2 cups frozen vegetable medley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until fully cooked.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and sauté for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, tamari (or soy sauce), and chicken broth. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and fold in the frozen vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a large oven-proof casserole dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top and sprinkle with garlic salt.
7. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow, then bake for 20–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
8. Serve hot, scooping onto plates and enjoying immediately.

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Tips

• Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
• For extra flavor, mix a little cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
• Let the filling simmer until thickened for a creamier texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie.
• Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash as a topping for a lower-carb option.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for extra depth.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and bake when ready.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour and tamari.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
• Great for meal prep—reheat individual portions throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting, hearty, and full of flavor
• Quick to assemble with pantry staples
• A family-friendly dish that works for weeknight dinners or special occasions