This shepherd’s pie is a classic casserole of Britain and Ireland done American-style.

Shepherd’s pie comes to us from England, and is traditionally made with lamb or mutton.

What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

A piece of shepherds pie on a plate with a fork.

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It’s pure comfort food.

What follows is a simple recipe for a ground beef version of Shepherd’s Pie.

The original recipe comes from my friend Frances Hochschild, and her mother (thanks Frannie!).

A casserole dish with a piece of shepherd’s pie removed.

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Because of the added fat in the mashed potatoes, this casserole freezes really well.

Freeze for up to 3 months using the instructions in the link below.

Cover with at least an inch of cold water.

Sauteing vegetables to make easy shepherds pie recipe.

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Add a teaspoon of salt.

Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 20 minutes).

Add the chopped onions and cook until tender, about 6 to 10 minutes.

Ground beef and vegetables in a skillet to make the filling for a shepherds pie recipe.

Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

If you are including vegetables, add them according to their cooking time.

Carrots should be cooked with the onions, because they take as long to cook as the onions do.

Add ground beef to the pan with the onions and vegetables.

Beef broth added to the skillet to make a shepherds pie recipe.

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Cook until no longer pink.

Drain the pan of excess fat, if necessary (anything more than 1 tablespoon).

Season with salt and pepper.

Mashing potatoes in a glass bowl for shepherds pie.

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Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth.

Bring the broth to a simmer and reduce heat to low.

Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth if necessary to keep the meat from drying out.

Overhead view of the ground beef filling for shepherds pie in a white casserole dish.

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Mash with a fork or potato masher, taste, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the ground beef.

you’re able to even use a fork to make creative designs in the mashed potatoes.

A casserole dish with shepherds pie in it and ready to be baked.

Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

Place in a 400F oven and cook until browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes.

If necessary, broil for the last few minutes to help the surface of the mashed potatoes brown.

It’s not a worry if you are using a ceramic or metal casserole dish.)

Shepherd’s pie in a white casserole dish.

Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon