Shepherd’s pie is a comfort food classic that is full of rich, meaty flavors and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. This meal is sure to warm you up on a cold winter evening!
Happy December! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! My parents, sister, and niece came to visit for the day and we had a blast. My mom and I decorated the tree while a gluten-free version of my chocolate chip cookies baked in the oven. They came out awesome by the way! I’ll be adding instructions to that recipe on how to make them gluten-free if you need.
We also enjoyed repurposed Thanksgiving leftovers, including my mashed potato cakes. They were a huge hit and will probably be the only way I use up leftover mashed potatoes from now on!
I’m so excited for Christmas that I already have my menu planned and next week I’ll be cooking and shooting it all for you. Stay tuned for the recipes!
In the meantime, I have a few great make-ahead recipes up my sleeve. This time of year is always so busy that I like to cook a few make-ahead meals to have in my fridge throughout the week. You’ll always have something to eat even if you don’t have time to cook!
I’ve really been into comfort food lately. Cold weather and the holiday season can do that to a person! Today’s recipe is my take on the classic shepherd’s pie – meaty, flavorful, and a decadent mashed potato topping. It’s mouthwatering good! Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder!
Shepherd’s pie starts out with a flavorful mix of onions, carrots, and celery. Add in some lean ground beef (or turkey) and add even more flavor with tomato paste and garlic. Beef broth adds a nice rich flavor and milk adds creaminess. Once that is all cooked down I toss in some frozen peas and corn for sweetness and a nice fresh flavor.
You’re kitchen is going to smell amazing at this point!
Now, for the best part. The mashed potatoes. We all know how much I love mashed potatoes.
If you still have leftover mashed potatoes hanging out in your fridge today’s recipe will be a great way to use them up! If you used them up making these, don’t worry – just make a batch of my perfect mashed potatoes.
Spread leftover, or freshly made mashed potatoes over the top and bake until bubbly and brown.
I couldn’t stop eating this… one taste turned into two, two turned into three, and then I just scooped out a big serving for myself! Comfort food at it’s best.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 Large Carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 Stalks Celery, finely chopped
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 3 Cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1 Cup Beef Stock
- ½ Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Frozen Peas
- ½ Cup Frozen Corn
- 1 Recipe Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 425º.
- Heat the olive oil in a 12-14-inch oven safe skillet over high heat. Add in the onion, carrot, celery and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown; season well with salt and pepper. Add in the ground beef and break it up with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook the vegetable/beef mixture until the meat is no longer pink; season with more salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste until well combined and then stir in the garlic; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes or until starting to thicken. Stir in the peas and corn.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over top of the meat mixture. Bake the shepherd’s pie for 25 minutes or until starting to brown lightly.
- Option 1: Prepare the recipe as written including the baking time. Let the shepherd’s pie cool completely and then refrigerate. Reheat the whole thing in the oven, or microwave individual servings. (The flavors really come through with this option!)
- Option 2: Prepare the recipe as written but don’t bake. Refrigerate the shepherd’s pie until you’re ready to serve, then preheat the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
It just dawned on me that Shepherd’s Pie is one dish I’ve never made for my kids (5 yrs old). I know they would love the flavors of this one (though I may use ground turkey vs beef… only because I have some on hand). Totally trying this out. Thanks!
Thanks Mary! I hope they enjoy it 🙂
How long should I pre heat the oven for?
If done with Cali mash can you still refrigerate and reheat in oven next day?
I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work!
Thank you for posting this! I’ve made it twice now, but have used mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. I’m a huge potato fan, but I had cauliflower on hand the first time and we found out we loved it that way– also, points for being healthy and saves a little prep time since you don’t need to peel any potatoes!
What a great idea using cauliflower mash! I’ll definitely have to give that a try. I’m so glad you liked it. Thank you for your kind words, Anna!
Once I make the pie how long is it good for? I have a pot luck on Saturday, but I’m looking to cook it on Friday night and store it in the fridge for Saturday. Is this ok? Would I just need to reheat the pie right ?
Yes, making it on Friday for Saturday is just fine, Bryan. Just reheat it when you’re ready 🙂
How long, and at what temperature, do you reheat your cooked shepherd’s pie if I went with Option 1 (baked and then cooled in the fridge overnight)?
Hi Belle. I suggest reheating it at 350º until it’s bubbly and warmed through. It will probably take around 30 minutes depending on your oven.
I made option 2 yesterday… ill put it in the oven tonight is it safe to have the left overs for my lunch tomorrow – technically it is day 3….
Sorry to be a pedant but Shepherds pie is made with lamb – it was made by shepherds! The version with beef mince is cottage pie! You really ought to do your research before trying a food blog like this and misleading your readers
That’s just what most people call this dinner. I wouldn’t have found this recipe if she called it anything else. Just saying not everything has to be so exact in life, just let people live
YIPPI for the reply
While your lamb definition is “correct”, at least in North America Shepherd’s Pie always references something made with ground beef, or if chunks of beef with gravy, there’s an explanatory subtext, and you won’t see cottage pie on any menu.
Sheesh. Calm down and carry on.
I’m a Canadian, family has been in Canada for generations. We always used ground beef to make Shepard’s pie. It may be written somewhere about lamb. But I can assure you, it ain’t in Canada’s home kitchens.
Do us a favour n keep your negativity to yourself. It’s out of order.
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for chilly nights and busy weeks! I love that it can be made ahead and still taste amazing the next day. And speaking of cozy meals, if you’re a fan of bold, creamy dipping sauces, you’ve got to check out this Raising Cane’s Sauce recipe. It’s the perfect addition for any side dish you might serve with this pie!
This recipe looks absolutely delicious—perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal! Speaking of satisfying dinners, I recently checked out the Outback Steakhouse menu with prices , and it’s packed with mouthwatering options like steaks, ribs, and seafood at surprisingly good value. Definitely worth a look if you’re planning a night out or want to compare with home-cooked meals like this one!
We all know! I call it shepherds pie when I make it with beef. Most people probably don’t make it with lamb. Don’t be so harsh on someone that’s helping you. Life’s to short to call people out! Manners would be nice!
Absolutely! It is a wonderful one dish meal and makes everyone happy beef or lamb, doesn’t matter 👏👏
Thank you for the tips esp about making ahead n reheat. ♥️
This Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and perfect for make-ahead dinners! For those of us who eat gluten-free, it’s always great to have reliable homemade options. Speaking of which, I recently came across some helpful info on Five Guys gluten free menu choices—super handy if you’re dining out but still want to stick to your gluten-free lifestyle!
Is it possible to replace meet by lentil for example?
This is a lovely COTTAGE PIE, shepherds pie is made with lamb,
Yep, Cottage pie refers to any pot pie topped with potato, shepherd’s pie is always Lamb based.
To be even more controversial I am a vegan and used lentils! 😉
I would like to make my shepards pie on Wednesday to have for dinner on Friday night. It will be refrigerated until then. My question is I will not be baking it until Friday night so will it be good after being in frig not cooked yet. Thanks for any help.
The recipe looks yummy, however I’m surprised it’s call Shepard’s pie. There’s no lamb in the recipe. I was trying to search for a recipe that a true Shepard’s pie with ground lamb. I’d recommend trying it this way, so much better than ground beef.
This article is a game-changer. Thanks for sharing!
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Great recipe! Can you also please share the recipe of the sweet chilli chicken wrap?
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Hi sorry if my question is repetitive but i was wondering if it would be possible for me to cook the Shepard’s pie a day before assemble it and then freeze once it’s cooled down? I’m traveling 2 hours away so I was thinking of taking it with me the next day and cook in the oven.
Is this okay? Or would it be okay not freezing it? I’m just not sure what the best way would be to transport it without it going off.
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This shepherd’s pie recipe looks amazing! Perfect for a cold winter night. I’m definitely gonna try making it. Maybe I can even find an Email Extractor to share it with all my foodie friends! Yum!
This sounds absolutely delicious! Make Ahead Monday is such a brilliant idea, especially for those busy days when you need a quick, warm meal. It reminds me how important efficiency is, whether in the kitchen or at the computer. Sometimes, I even use a Mouse Tester Online to make sure my gear is running smoothly, so I can get back to my tasks – or my delicious dinner!
This Shepherd’s Pie sounds like the perfect cozy meal for a Monday! I totally agree, comfort food is the best for warming you up. Speaking of things that bring comfort, sometimes after a delicious meal, I just want to unwind with some casual games, maybe even on a site like purble place.
What a great idea for ‘Make Ahead Monday’! Shepherd’s Pie truly is a comfort food classic. I’m intrigued by ‘Fashionable Foods’ alongside it, but the description of rich, meaty flavors and fluffy mashed potatoes definitely makes it sound like a delicious, warming meal. Perfect for a cozy evening!
Thanks for such a thoughtful write-up!
This recipe reminds me of the crispy chicken meals I really enjoy. Your step-by-step guide makes it even easier to follow, and I can’t wait to try it this weekend.
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Highly Recommended! Great Information. Thanks
This recipe looks amazing! I love exploring different deli menu ideas, and this one feels like something I would definitely order at a restaurant.
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe looks so comforting – perfect for a make-ahead meal! After cooking, I usually relax by playing Snow Rider 3D – a fun little break.
“I love make-ahead recipes like this Shepherd’s Pie—it saves so much time during busy weeks! I experimented with some comfort food variations recently, and Carls Jr sides and combos actually paired perfectly. Will try your tips next week!”
Hi Nicky! I try it, it’s delicious and your recipe and information are great, but I want a lasagna recipe. too. Thanks
This was such a helpful and enjoyable read! I really appreciate the time and effort that went into putting this together. It’s clear, easy to follow, and full of useful details. Definitely bookmarking this to come back to again. Thanks for sharing!
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Speaking of comfort food dilemmas, I once hosted a potluck where everyone brought variations on meat and potatoes; imagine the horror of a Slither io themed party, but with only carbohydrates and ground beef.
What a great recipe! I made something similar last weekend, but your version looks way better — I’ll definitely try this one next time. Cooking like this always puts me in such a cozy mood. Afterwards, I usually unwind with a little gaming on Polytrack while dinner cools down.
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“Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies?! Seriously impressive! Mom’s baking skills are clearly on point. I need to steal that recipe… for research purposes, of course.”
“That tree decorating and cookie baking combo sounds like a perfectly lovely December day. Makes me want to trade my winter blues for a side of shepherd’s pie!”
Wow, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe looks absolutely delicious! 😍 I love make-ahead meals like this because they save so much time during the busy week. If anyone’s in the mood for something quick and tasty, you might also enjoy checking out Panda Express menu with prices and pictures
—it’s a great way to see all their dishes before ordering. Thanks for sharing such a comforting recipe!
Foodies are still impressed by Jason’s Deli’s menu in 2025 because it is flavourful, fresh, and health-conscious. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a substantial meal, the deli is a popular choice because of its extensive selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas. Because all of their dishes are made with premium ingredients and free of artificial flavours and MSG, Jason’s Deli is a great option for people who value taste and nutrition.
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Ah, shepherd’s pie, the edible hug! My stomach just growled thinking about savory meat under a potato blanket. Isn’t it the perfect dish for battling winter’s chill? This recipe sounds divine and timely! It is a fantastic concept to prepare it in advance. I remember one Thanksgiving when the oven was overloaded, similar to this, I tried prepping everything ahead of time, including a potato casserole. I really felt like one of the drift hunters then. A real pre-prep champion!
Applebee’s Menu 2026 offers a simple and tasty mix of foods that many people enjoy. It includes burgers, chicken dishes, pasta, salads, appetizers, and kids’ meals at affordable prices. The menu is easy to choose from and works well for families, friends, and casual dining. Applebee’s also adds new items and special deals from time to time, so there is always something fresh to try. Overall, the Applebee’s Menu is a good choice for comfort food that fits different tastes and ages.
What a perfect idea for ‘Make Ahead Monday’! Shepherd’s pie is definitely a comfort food classic, and your description of its rich, meaty flavors and fluffy mashed potatoes already has me craving it. Sounds like the ultimate warm-you-up meal, especially for a chilly evening. Can’t wait to try this!
Foodies are still impressed by Jason’s Deli Menu in 2026 because it is flavourful, fresh, and health-conscious. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a substantial meal, the deli is a popular choice because of its extensive selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas. Because all of their dishes are made with premium ingredients and free of artificial flavours and MSG, Jason’s Deli is a great option for people who value taste and nutrition.
What a comforting Shepherd’s Pie idea — great for anyone planning a cozy, flavorful meal at home! When you’re ready for convenient, tasty take-out options too, check out the complete Chicken Licken South Africa menu at ChickenLickenMenuZA.com to see popular items and prices.