Ah, Shepherd’s Pie! This comforting dish holds a special place in my heart—not just because it’s delicious but because it reminds me of family gatherings around the dinner table. My grandmother used to whip up the most incredible Shepherd’s Pie on chilly Sunday evenings, filling the house with the warm aroma of savory beef and buttery mashed potatoes. Every forkful was a hug on a plate, and I swear I could feel the love she poured into each layer. Now, I’ve taken her traditional recipe and put my own spin on it, making it a go-to for my busy family nights.
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, filling, and downright satisfying, this Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef and Vegetables is just the ticket! It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for using up that random bag of frozen veggies sitting in your freezer. Plus, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and second servings (just ask my husband!). So let’s get cooking!
What’s in Hearty Shepherd’s Pie?
- Ground beef: I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for that perfect balance of flavor and fat, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
- Frozen peas and carrots mix: This combo is a classic! It adds sweetness and a pop of color, plus it saves you prep time. Use fresh if you’re feeling fancy!
- Frozen corn: Sweet and crunchy, corn adds texture and complements the meaty filling. Plus, who doesn’t love corn?
- Onion: Always add onion to your savory dishes! It gives depth to the flavors and compliments the beef beautifully.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic! It infuses the whole dish with a fragrant aroma.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and umami that brings the filling to life. Grab yourself a nice-quality brand for the best flavor.
- Beef broth: I love using low-sodium beef broth. It adds moisture and flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds a wonderful tanginess that’s essential for any savory pie.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These fragrant herbs elevate the dish and tie all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Always season to taste—don’t skimp! You want a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for mashing! They’re starchy and fluffy, making for the creamiest topping.
- Unsalted butter and milk: These are must-haves for creamy mashed potatoes. You could swap the milk for cream if you’re feeling indulgent!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Optional but highly recommended! It adds a gooey, cheesy crust that everyone will love.
- Fresh parsley: Not just for looks—it adds a fresh note to each bite!
Is Hearty Shepherd’s Pie Good for You?
Oh, the age-old question! Shepherd’s Pie, while hearty and comforting, does have its health considerations, depending on your dietary needs. It’s packed with ground beef, which is a great source of protein, and the peas, carrots, and corn add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, if you’re watching your saturated fat intake, you may want to choose leaner beef or substitute it with ground turkey or lentils for a veggie version.
The potatoes are starchy, so moderation is key if you’re counting carbs. You could also consider using sweet potatoes instead for extra nutrients and a slight sweetness. Just remember, every bite of this deliciousness is made with love, and a little indulgence every now and then is totally okay!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Hearty Shepherd’s Pie?
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and hot while you prepare the filling!
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, unless you want a little extra flavor in your life!
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen peas, carrots, and corn; continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this tantalizing mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour the delicious filling into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
- Meanwhile, place the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes after cooking!
- Mash the drained potatoes with butter, milk, along with some salt and pepper until they are smooth and creamy.
- Spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetable filling in the pie dish. Get creative with a fork and make swirls or peaks for extra texture.
- If you want to add a little cheesy goodness, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is wonderfully bubbling.
- Let your masterpiece cool for a few minutes before digging in. Garnish with chopped parsley for that extra touch of color!
Tips for the Best Hearty Shepherd’s Pie!
- Feel free to customize the vegetables! You can swap in any frozen veggies or fresh produce you have on hand—green beans, bell peppers, or even mushrooms would be delightful.
- If you want a hint of red wine flavor, add a splash to the beef mixture while it simmers. It makes the flavors sing!
- Leftover pie? This Shepherd’s Pie stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it reheats like a dream!
This Hearty Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food at its finest! Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s filling enough to satisfy any hearty appetite. I encourage you to make this for your family and friends—they’ll thank you for it! And if you tweak the recipe to make it your own, I’d love to hear about it! Happy cooking!
