Beef Shepherd’s Pie (Easy Cottage Pie Recipe)

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 easy Beef Shepherd’s Pie is hearty comfort food with a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Technically a cottage pie, it’s easy to customize and make ahead.

Beth

Prep Time 15

Bake Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings

Ingredients

½ Tbsp olive oil
2 lbs lean ground beef (or lamb)
1 yellow onion
1 large carrot
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper (to taste)
2 Tbsp Worcestershire 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 grater. 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 the liquid is 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!

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.