This classic dish is so easy and customizable! Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s recipe, this Beef Shepherd’s Pie is great to make ahead – perfect for busy nights or St. Paddy’s day! While traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, we prefer beef (which is also referred to as Cottage Pie). Use whichever you like – the rest of the recipe won’t change. 😊 If you’re feeling Irish, use Guinness in place of the red wine!

Delicious baked mashed potatoes casserole with golden, crispy top, creamy interior, perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare with butter, cheese, and seasonings.

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

½ Tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef)
2 lb ground beef (or ground meat of your choice)
1 onion
1 -2 carrots
2 garlic cloves
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp thyme
¾ cup red wine or Guinness
½ cup beef broth or stock
4-5 cups cooked mashed potatoes (store bought or try our mashed potatoes)
1 egg yolk
6 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese (divided)
Optional:
- frozen corn, peas, green beans or veggie of your choice

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grate the carrot, onion and garlic using a box cutter. I like to use the large holes for the onion and carrot and the small holes for the garlic.

a hand grating an onion with a box grater over a cutting board

Step 2: Heat the oil (if using) over high heat in a large pan. Add the ground beef and break it up as you begin to brown it. Next, add the grated carrots, onion and garlic and continue to stir until the beef is cooked through. Season to taste with salt and pepper (start with about 1/2 tsp each, you can always add more after it’s cooked!).

beef browning in a pan with grated carrots an onion

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and thyme. Cook for a couple of minutes, continuing to stir. Next, pour in the red wine or Guinness and cook until it’s is almost completely reduced (just a few minutes).

wine being poured into pan with ground beef mixture

Step 4: Stir in the beef broth or stock and any frozen veggies you plan on using then bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.

cooked ground beef mixture in a pan on a stove

Step 5: Meanwhile, beat 2 Tbsp of parmesan cheese and the egg yolk into the cooked mashed potatoes in a large bowl.

mashed potatoes in a bowl with an egg yolk and a tablespoon of parmesan cheese about to be beaten with a hand mixer

Step 6: Layer the beef mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. Use a spoon or spatula to layer the mashed potatoes over the beef. It helps to start from the outside and work your way in. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over top then use a fork to incorporate the cheese into the top of the potatoes and add texture.

ground beef mixture in a baking dish with dollops of mashed potatoes over top

mashed potato layer over ground beef mixture being pricked with a fork to add texture

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Carefully remove from the oven, let cool for a couple of minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Tips:

You can make your own mashed potatoes (try our fluffy mashed potatoes), use premade, or instant. No judgement here!
I make extra mashed potatoes, then freeze some to use later in Shepherd’s pie! Here’s a link to a helpful article: “Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?“
If you prefer the potatoes really browned, turn the heat up to 375º for just a few minutes at the end of the bake time.
Prefer to cook without alcohol? No problem, just increase the beef broth to 1 cup and simmer until thickened.

Beef Shepherd’s Pie (Gordon Ramsay Style)

Classic beef shepherd's pie with mashed potatoes, served in a blue floral dish, featuring a slice on a white plate with a fork, perfect comfort food.

This classic dish is so easy and customizable! Inspired by Gordon Ramsay's recipe, this Beef Shepherd's Pie is great to make ahead – perfect for busy nights and St. Patrick's Day!

Beth

Prep Time 15

Bake Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings

Ingredients

½ Tbsp olive oil
2 lbs ground beef (or ground meat of your choosing)
1 yellow onion
1 large carrot
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper (to taste)
2 Tbsp Worcesteshire sauce
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
¾ cup red wine (or Guinness for a rich flavor)
½ cup beef broth or stock
4-5 cups cooked mashed potatoes (try our Fluffy Mashed Potatoes)
1 egg yolk
6 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese (divided)

Optional:

frozen corn, peas, or green beans

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grate the carrot, onion and garlic using a box cutter. I like to use the large holes for the onion and carrot and the small holes for the garlic.
Heat the oil (if using) over medium high heat in a large pan. Add the ground beef and break it up as you begin to brown it. Add the grated carrots, onion and garlic and continue to stir until the beef is cooked through. Season to taste with salt and pepper (start with about 1/2 tsp each, you can always add more after it’s cooked!).
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and thyme. Cook for a couple of minutes, continuing to stir. Then, pour in the red wine or Guinness and cook until it's almost completely reduced.
Add the beef broth or stock and any frozen veggies and bring to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
In a large bowl or pot, beat 2 Tbsp of parmesan cheese and the egg yolk into the cooked mashed potatoes.
Spread the beef into the bottom of a casserole dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mashed potatoes over the beef. It helps to start from the outside and work your way in. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over top then use a fork to incorporate the cheese into the top of the potatoes and add texture.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Carefully remove from the oven, let cool for a couple of minutes, then serve and enjoy!