There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal to bring the family together, especially on a busy weeknight.
This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef is exactly that – a classic, easy-to-make dish that delivers on flavor and satisfaction without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect go-to recipe when you need a delicious and fulfilling dinner that everyone will love.
This recipe takes the traditional shepherd’s pie and elevates it with a generous layer of cheesy mashed potatoes, creating a golden, bubbly crust over a savory ground beef filling. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring happy faces around the dinner table.
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make classic that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It features a savory ground beef filling topped with a generous layer of cheesy mashed potatoes, creating a golden, bubbly crust. This complete meal in one dish is a family favorite, combining protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, and is great for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start by placing the peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the hot pot. Add the milk, butter, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (3/4 cup). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet) or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Saute the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Filling: Stir in the frozen peas, frozen corn, undrained diced tomatoes, condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
5. Assemble the Pie: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potato mixture over the top of the beef filling, making sure to cover it completely. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato topping, which will crisp up nicely in the oven.
6. Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer. Place the skillet or baking dish into a preheated oven at 375 F (190 C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the cheesy mashed potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve clean portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: shepherd's pie, ground beef, comfort food, cheesy, family dinner, easy, casserole, weeknight meal, potatoes, savory
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie is a true family favorite for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, making it ideal for cooler evenings or when you simply crave a warm, hearty meal. It’s a fantastic way to get a balanced dinner on the table, combining protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one delicious casserole. This recipe is particularly great for families with picky eaters, as the familiar flavors of ground beef and mashed potatoes are generally well-received, and the cheesy topping adds an extra layer of appeal. You can easily adapt the vegetables to suit your family’s preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully, providing delicious leftovers for lunches or future dinners.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is a great way to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For the ground beef, an 80/20 lean blend works well as it provides good flavor without being overly greasy. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or a leaner ground beef, just be sure to add a little extra olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Feel free to swap out the frozen peas and corn for other frozen mixed vegetables like green beans or lima beans, depending on what your family enjoys. For the condensed cream of mushroom soup, any brand will do, and if you prefer, you can use a homemade cream of mushroom soup substitute for a slightly different flavor profile. The type of shredded cheddar cheese can be adjusted to your liking; a sharp cheddar will offer a bolder flavor, while a mild cheddar will be more subtle. You can also mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend for added complexity.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie is designed to be a relatively quick and efficient meal, perfect for a weeknight.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes Total time: 50-55 minutes
This timing includes the time it takes to chop vegetables, brown the meat, prepare the mashed potatoes, and bake the casserole until it’s golden and bubbly.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Making this shepherd’s pie is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious and perfectly cooked meal.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start by placing the peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the hot pot. Add the milk, butter, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (3/4 cup). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron skillet) or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Filling: Stir in the frozen peas, frozen corn, undrained diced tomatoes, condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Assemble the Pie: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potato mixture over the top of the beef filling, making sure to cover it completely. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the potato topping, which will crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer. Place the skillet or baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the cheesy mashed potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve clean portions.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a touch of ketchup or barbecue sauce to the beef filling during the simmering stage for a slightly sweeter, tangier flavor that many children enjoy. You can also finely grate extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the beef mixture to sneak in more nutrients without changing the texture too much.
If you’re looking for different flavor profiles, consider swapping out the beef broth for red wine for a richer, more complex taste, or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef filling for a subtle smoky note. For a spicier kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño can be added with the onions and carrots.
This shepherd’s pie is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance. A side of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any extra savory gravy. For a more elaborate family dinner, you could serve it alongside roasted asparagus or green beans. It’s also an excellent dish for potlucks or casual gatherings, as it feeds a crowd and is easy to transport. Just cover it with foil and keep it warm until serving.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you achieve a perfect shepherd’s pie every time.
One common mistake is over-mashing the potatoes. This can lead to a gummy, unpleasant texture. To avoid this, mash the potatoes only until they are smooth and creamy, then stop. Don’t use an electric mixer on high speed, as this can easily overwork them.
Another slip-up is not draining the ground beef properly. Excess grease can make the filling oily and less appealing. After browning the beef, use a spoon to tilt the skillet and carefully spoon out any rendered fat before adding the vegetables.
Under-seasoning the beef filling is also a frequent issue. Make sure to taste the beef mixture before spreading the potatoes on top. If it tastes bland, add more salt, pepper, or a dash more Worcestershire sauce. Remember, the potatoes will absorb some of the seasoning, so you want the filling to be flavorful.
Finally, not letting the pie rest after baking can result in a messy serving. The filling needs a few minutes to set up once it comes out of the hot oven. If you cut into it immediately, the filling might be too loose and spill out. A 5-10 minute rest period
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
