Can I use ground lamb instead of beef in this Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Traditionally, shepherd's pie uses lamb, and swapping ground beef for lamb adds that authentic flavor. Just note lamb can be fattier, so you might want to drain excess fat during cooking.

What’s the best way to thicken the beef filling?

Using potato starch or cornstarch mixed into the meat mixture before adding broth helps thicken the sauce without making it gloopy. It binds the liquid beautifully so the filling holds together nicely under the mashed potato topping.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, just top with mashed potatoes and bake as usual. This saves time on busy days and makes assembly quick.

How do I get a crispy top on my shepherd's pie?

Creating textured peaks with a fork on the mashed potatoes before baking helps them crisp up nicely. Baking on the upper rack in a hot oven and optionally broiling for a minute or two at the end will get you that golden brown crust.

Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe | Comforting Family Favorite

Name: Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1-½ pounds yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; ⅓ cup whole milk, more as needed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, more to taste; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 ounces button or crimini mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed and diced; 1 medium onion, diced fine; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced fine; 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, more to taste; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pound ground beef (or lamb); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons potato starch or cornstarch; 2 teaspoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves); 1-¼ cup beef broth, or more as needed; ½ cup frozen peas

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty dish that brings everyone to the table fast. This Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe is one of those gems, combining rich, savory beef with creamy mashed potatoes that bake into a perfectly golden crust. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it becomes a family favorite.

A close-up of a round black cast iron pan filled with two layers: the top layer is a smooth, golden brown mashed potato crust sprinkled with small green herb bits, slightly browned on the edges with soft ridges; the bottom layer visible where a section is scooped out shows a thick, brown meat and vegetable stew with visible orange carrot cubes, green peas, and dark mushrooms. A wooden spoon is scooping the stew from the bottom right side of the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Top Tip

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This beef shepherd's pie feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how it’s simple, cozy, and full of flavor without needing fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that makes dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen.

Perfect Comfort Food: The creamy mashed potatoes and savory beef filling blend for ultimate satisfaction on chilly nights.
Easy To Customize: You can swap veggies or meat easily without losing that classic shepherd’s pie feel.
One-Dish Magic: Cooking and baking in one pan means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Freezable and Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for batch cooking and reheating on busy days when you want a homemade meal fast.

A close-up of a cooked mixture in a pan, showing three main layers: small brown meat pieces spread evenly, bright orange carrot chunks scattered throughout, and small green peas placed randomly on top. The texture looks moist with a slight shine, and a wooden spoon is stirring the food from the right side, with a visible part of a woman's hand holding it. The pan is white, and the setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe really starts with fresh, quality ingredients that blend into a satisfying dish. Each component brings its own texture and flavor, and knowing a few tips before shopping can really set you up for success in the kitchen.

Flat lay of peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes, a small white bowl of whole milk, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of olive oil, a handful of cleaned and diced button mushrooms, one medium finely diced onion, two peeled and finely diced carrots, one whole uncracked brown egg, one pound of raw ground beef, two garlic cloves, a small white bowl of potato starch, a small white bowl of tomato paste, a small white bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl filled with dried thyme leaves, a small white bowl of beef broth, and a small handful of frozen peas placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their buttery flavor and creamy texture make them perfect for smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes that aren’t gluey.
Whole Milk: Adds richness without thinning out the potatoes too much; you can adjust quantity for your preferred consistency.
Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy texture and depth; unsalted gives you control over the salt level.
Button or Crimini Mushrooms: They soak up flavors and add an earthy note, pairing beautifully with beef.
Ground Beef: Use fresh and preferably lean-to-medium fat for juicy, flavorful filling without excess grease.
Carrots and Onion: Classic aromatics that soften and sweeten the filling naturally.
Potato Starch or Cornstarch: Thickens the filling for that perfect spoonable texture without being runny.
Tomato Paste & Worcestershire Sauce: These umami powerhouses give depth and that characteristic savory boost shepherd's pie is known for.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and richness; adjust amount to control thickness of the filling.
Frozen Peas: A bit of sweetness and color, plus they pop in every bite for variety.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found the best part about this Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe is how flexible it is. Sometimes I swap ground beef for lamb if I’m feeling traditional, or add extra veggies like corn or green beans to sneak in more color and crunch. Feel free to make it your own!

Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for lentils or crumbled mushrooms to keep that meaty, hearty vibe without the meat – I’ve done this for friends and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the filling for warmth that gives it a little twist.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some grated cheddar over the mashed potatoes before baking for an irresistible crust.
Make It Lighter: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes if you want lower carbs but don’t want to give up creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water until they’re tender—usually about 20-25 minutes. I always check by poking them with a fork; you want them soft but not falling apart. Drain them well, then mash with butter, whole milk, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. The trick I learned was to mash just until combined – overmixing can make them gummy, so go gentle and add milk slowly until you get that fluffy, creamy texture.

Step 2: Building the Flavorful Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet and add your mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Patience here really pays off—cook until the mushrooms release all their moisture and it evaporates. This step boosts flavor and prevents sogginess. Next, toss in diced onions, carrots, salt, and pepper and cook until they soften. Add your ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it up as you go to get that nice browned texture. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and potato starch to thicken the mix. Pour in beef broth, scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan (those are flavor gold!), and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Right before you finish, fold in frozen peas for sweetness and color.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F, placing the rack near the top to create a beautifully browned top. Spoon the beef filling into your oven-safe skillet or baking dish, then layer the mashed potatoes evenly on top. I like to create textured peaks with a fork; it crisps up wonderfully and adds a rustic look. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until you see the edges bubbling and the top turning golden. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes – this helps it set and makes serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 2: Building the Flavorful Beef Filling

Step 3: Assemble & Bake to Perfection

Top Tip

Side Dishes

Creative Ways to Present

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Freezing

Reheating

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Thoughts