Homemade traditional Shepherd's Pie, made with ground lamb and beef with vegetables in a savory brown gravy and topped with buttery mashed potatoes, is baked to bubbly perfection and is a classic comfort food casserole.
Classic Shepherd's Pie
Classic Shepherd's Pie has tender bites of ground lamb and beef with vegetables in a savory brown gravy topped with rich, buttery mashed potatoes.
It is baked in the oven to bubbly and golden perfection to create a warm, comforting casserole the family will love!
Is Shepherd's Pie English or Irish?
Shepherd's Pie originated in northern England and Scotland, in sheep country. With the close proximity of England, Scotland, and Ireland, all of these countries had an early version of shepherd's pie, and it would be considered an authentic dish for all of these countries as well.
What's the Difference Between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie
The biggest difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie is the type of meat used. Shepherd's pie traditionally uses lamb, while cottage pie uses beef.
Do I have to Use Ground Lamb?
No. To keep this recipe traditional but still cost effective and practical, I used half lamb and half ground beef. You can use all lamb or all ground beef, if you want or need to without much change to the recipe.
More Casserole Recipes You'll Love
- BEST EVER Chicken Pot Pie - literally the best. Our family favorite and one of the most popular recipes on the blog.
- Reuben Casserole - all of the flavors of a classic reuben with warm noodles and baked to warm perfection.
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole - creamy cheesy chicken topped with crispy buttery cracker topping. Serve with noodles or rice to sop up all of that sauce.
- Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - another family favorite because it's so easy to make and who doesn't love tater tots?!
- Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls - tastes just like cabbage rolls with none of the work. This one-pot version is just as good and twice as easy!
Classic Shepherd's Pie Video
Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup half and half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 egg yolks
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire (or gluten free tamari)
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large sauce pan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, uncover and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- While potatoes are boiling, place half and half and butter in a microwave safe bowl, and heat for about 30 seconds, until butter is soft.
- When the potatoes are done cooking, drain and return to pot or large mixing bowl. Mash with potato masher.
- Add half and half and butter and continue mashing until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in egg yolks. Set aside.
For the Filling
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- In a large skillet, add ground beef, ground lamb, onion, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in cornstarch and toss to coat. Allow to heat up for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, a little at a time, stirring after each addition until it is totally incorporated.
- Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, rosemary, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the vegetables, and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer filling to casserole dish (11"x7"). Top with mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal and prevent it from bubbling up.
- Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes begin to brown.
- Remove and allow to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally gluten free (if using the gluten free tamari, not Worcestershire, which has gluten). To make it dairy free, use coconut cream instead of half and half, and ghee instead of butter.
- Place casserole dish on a cookie sheet to bake to catch any drips.
- Lamb vs. Beef - You can use all of one or a little of each, as the recipe calls for.
- Vegetables - Mixed vegetables is easiest as it has all of the vegetables normally used. We sometimes use just frozen peas and carrots instead.
- Broth - You can also use beef or vegetable broth in this recipe.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in individual servings in the microwave.
- Freezer Directions: Prepare dish but do not bake. Allow to cool to room temperature. Cover and freeze for up to 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Continue with baking instructions, adding about 10-15 extra minutes for baking to account for cold dish.
Nutrition
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Janessa says
This Shepherd's Pie was fantastic! Such a hearty meal for cooler days.
Jovita says
Very delicious and fragrant shepherd's pie! Definitely turned out exactly like I expected. Thanks for sharing!
Tara says
Now THIS is the ultimate comfort food! Warm, flavorful and delicious. Loved the hint of Worcestershire sauce - added a nice bit of flavor.
Stephanie says
My mom used to make this when I was growing up. I've tried to replicate it a few times, but something always seems to be missing. Now I'm thinking it might be the lamb! This recipe is the closest I've gotten to hers.
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a delicious success! Easily, a new favorite recipe; the best comfort food, indeed!
Charles says
Hi Michelle, This truly is a great wintertime dish! I've never really made shepherd's pie so here goes! Thanks for sharing!
cyndy says
This was my first time making Shepards Pie so thanks for the excellent instructions. It turned out perfectly!
Artney says
This recipe was absolutely delightful! My family is already requesting for me to make it again! It's the true definition of comfort. So good!
Ned says
This is a perfect combo of deliciousness! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Dina and Bruce says
Made this for a potluck, and got rave reviews! This was so tasty! Sent them to your recipe!!
Carrie Robinson says
Such hearty comfort food! 🙂 This would make the perfect Sunday dinner.
Saif says
I love shepherd pie. My aunt made it once and it was delicious. Now with your recipe, I can cook this for my family.
Michaela says
This classic, comforting and hearty shepherds pie looks incredible. My families going to love it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. It was so easy and the flavors were fantastic.