Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a warm, simple meal for weeknights and family dinners.
introduction
This Easy Shepherd’s Pie uses ground beef, gravy, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It cooks fast and feels like home. For more quick meal ideas, see 10 ridiculously easy dinner ideas ready in min.
why make this recipe
- It is quick to make and fills hungry people.
- You use simple store ingredients you may already have.
- It makes good leftovers or a freezer meal.
- It is mild and kid-friendly, and you can change vegetables or spice to your taste. For other simple meal ideas, try this 5 simple recipes your go-to guide for easy dishes.
how to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Brown the beef in a skillet with a little olive oil.
- Add gravy and mixed vegetables and let simmer.
- Spread mashed potatoes on top of the meat mix.
- Sprinkle cheese and bake until cheese is golden.
- Let it cool a few minutes, then serve.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup gravy
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Directions :
In a cast iron skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the gravy and mixed vegetables, bringing to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Serve hot from the oven on plates or straight from the skillet.
- Add a simple green salad or steamed greens on the side.
- Spoon gravy or a little extra butter on the potatoes for more flavor.
how to store Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- In the fridge: cover and keep up to 3–4 days.
- In the freezer: cool fully, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave single servings.
tips to make Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef so the pie is not greasy.
- Use warm mashed potatoes so they spread evenly.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or thyme for more taste.
- Swap vegetables to what you have on hand. For other quick meal ideas, see 7 quick easy chicken meals.
variation (if any)
- True shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb instead of beef.
- Use sweet potato mash for a sweeter top.
- Make it vegetarian with lentils, mushrooms, or textured veg protein.
- Add herbs (rosemary, thyme) to the meat mix for more aroma.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
A: Yes. Store-bought or instant mashed potatoes work fine and save time.
Q: Do I need a cast iron skillet?
A: No. Use any oven-safe dish or baking pan you have.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble it, cover, and chill before baking. Bake when ready.
Q: How do I make it less salty?
A: Use low-sodium gravy or make your own with less salt. Taste the meat mix before topping.
Q: Can I add other cheeses?
A: Yes. Cheddar is common, but use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix.
Conclusion
For a full step-by-step version and extra tips, see the complete Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe.
Print
Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A warm, simple meal perfect for weeknights and family dinners, using ground beef, gravy, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup gravy
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a cast iron skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the gravy and mixed vegetables, bringing to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
To store, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, comfort food, quick meals, family dinner, ground beef