Why Make This Recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for family dinners. It combines ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes to create a meal that is both satisfying and simple to make. This recipe is great for beginner cooks and an excellent way to use up leftovers. Plus, the cheesy top adds a delicious twist that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie
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 the Easy Shepherd’s Pie warm. You can enjoy it straight from the oven in individual bowls or on a plate. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. It’s hearty enough to be a main course.
How to Store Easy Shepherd’s Pie
To store leftovers, let the Shepherd’s Pie cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- For extra flavor, you can add some chopped onions or garlic when cooking the ground beef.
- Feel free to use leftover mashed potatoes if you have them on hand. This can save you time!
- You can customize the vegetables based on what you have—like green beans or bell peppers.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie by replacing the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable gravy instead of beef gravy and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great in this recipe!
Can Shepherd’s Pie be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it right before serving.
What kind of cheese can I use?
You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar is the most popular choice. Mozzarella or a blend will also work well.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners, combining ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes with a cheesy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
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
For extra flavor, add chopped onions or garlic when cooking the ground beef. You can customize the vegetables based on availability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Comfort Food, Family Dinner