Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Name: Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons butter, divided (1 stick); 5 potatoes, peeled and halved; 3 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed; 1 large onion, finely chopped, divided in half; 2 lbs ground beef or 2 lbs lamb; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup chicken or ½ cup beef stock; 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 teaspoons water; coarse salt; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained

Servings: persons

8 tablespoons butter, divided (1 stick)
5 potatoes, peeled and halved
3 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed
1 large onion, finely chopped, divided in half
2 lbs ground beef or 2 lbs lamb
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
½ cup chicken or ½ cup beef stock
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 teaspoons water
coarse salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained

1
In a large saute pan on medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and saute 1/2 of chopped onion, carrots and celery until softened.
2
Add the meat and salt and cook on high, stirring occasionally until the moisture is evaporated and the meat is browning in fat, about 15 minutes.
3
When meat is browned, stir in Worcestershire and cook 1 minute.
4
Stir in chicken stock and cornstarch-water mixture and simmer for additional minute to thicken.
5
Peel and halve potatoes.
6
Place in pot and cover with cold water to 2 inches above potatoes.
7
Add generous amount of salt.
8
Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
9
Drain potatoes and return to pot (or transfer to bowl).
10
Mash the potatoes with 4 tablespoons butter, white pepper and a few tablespoons of milk until smooth.
11
Add more milk if needed to make potatoes creamy.
12
In a 2-quart casserole dish, evenly distribute the cooked meat, top with peas and remaining chopped onion and dollop mashed potatoes on top.
13
Dot top of potatoes with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
14
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, until warmed through and potatoes are golden on top, and pie is bubbling.

1034

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 tablespoons butter, divided (1 stick), 5 potatoes, peeled and halved, 3 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed, 1 large onion, finely chopped, divided in half, and more.

Yes, Shepherd's Pie falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Shepherd's Pie

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions