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23 Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipes That Taste Like Home

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Introduction

Shepherd’s pie is the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen feel cozy. You get a savory, saucy filling, a thick layer of mashed potatoes, and that golden top that everyone fights over. It’s also one of the easiest “make once, eat twice” meals—great for weeknights, Sunday dinners, and freezer meals.

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Below are 23 classic-style shepherd’s pie recipes with familiar flavors, simple steps, and plenty of cozy options—beef, lamb, turkey, veggie, and more.

1. Classic Irish Shepherd’s Pie (Lamb)

A traditional lamb version with rich gravy and buttery mash.

Ingredients

  • Ground lamb: 1½ lb (680 g)
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots: 1 cup (130 g), diced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup (140 g)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Flour: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb (1.1 kg), peeled and cubed
  • Butter: 5 tbsp, divided
  • Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Boil potatoes 15–18 minutes until tender. Mash with 4 tbsp butter and milk; season.
  3. In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Cook onion and carrots 6–8 minutes.
  4. Add lamb and brown 8 minutes. Stir in garlic, flour, tomato paste.
  5. Pour in broth and Worcestershire; simmer 6–8 minutes until thick. Stir in peas.
  6. Spread filling in baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
  7. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Broil 2 minutes for extra color.

How to Serve It
Sprinkle chopped parsley and serve with buttered peas.

2. Classic Cottage Pie (Beef)

Same cozy vibe, made with ground beef.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 2 lb (900 g)
  • Onion: 1, diced
  • Carrots: 1 cup, diced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Garlic: 2 cloves
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Beef broth: 1¼ cups (300 ml)
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Potatoes: 3 lb (1.36 kg)
  • Butter: 6 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Boil potatoes 18 minutes; mash with butter and milk.
  3. Brown beef with onion and carrots 10 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and tomato paste 1 minute.
  5. Pour broth and Worcestershire; simmer 8 minutes. Stir peas.
  6. Bake 22–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.

How to Serve It
Serve with a simple green salad.

3. Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Mash

Cheesy mashed potatoes make the topping extra comforting.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb (680 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Beef broth: 1 cup
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb (1.1 kg)
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ⅓ cup (80 ml)
  • Cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (170 g), shredded
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Pepper: ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Mash potatoes with butter, milk, and cheddar.
  3. Cook beef and onion until browned. Stir in tomato paste and broth; simmer 6 minutes. Add peas.
  4. Top with cheddar mash and bake 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Top with sliced green onions.

4. Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Garlic Mash

Roasted garlic adds deep flavor with little effort.

Ingredients

  • Ground lamb: 1½ lb (680 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb (1.1 kg)
  • Garlic head: 1
  • Butter: 5 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup
  • Salt: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Roast garlic at 400°F (205°C) for 35–40 minutes, wrapped in foil.
  2. Boil and mash potatoes with butter, milk, and squeezed roasted garlic.
  3. Cook filling, assemble, and bake 20–25 minutes at 400°F (205°C).

How to Serve It
Serve with roasted carrots.

5. Shepherd’s Pie with Mushrooms

Mushrooms add a savory bite and extra texture.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb (680 g)
  • Mushrooms: 2 cups (150 g), chopped
  • Onion: 1
  • Beef broth: 1 cup
  • Flour: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Cook beef, onion, and mushrooms until browned. Stir flour, add broth; simmer 6–8 minutes.
  3. Top with mashed potatoes and bake 22 minutes.

How to Serve It
Add chopped parsley on top.

6. Shepherd’s Pie with Bacon

Bacon brings smoky flavor that people love.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Bacon: 6 slices, chopped
  • Onion: 1
  • Peas: 1 cup
  • Beef broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon until crisp; remove and drain.
  2. Cook beef and onion in bacon drippings; add broth and peas; simmer 6 minutes.
  3. Top with mash, sprinkle bacon, bake 20–25 minutes at 400°F (205°C).

How to Serve It
Serve with steamed green beans.

7. Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Slight sweetness pairs well with savory filling.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: 1½ lb (680 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Sweet potatoes: 2½ lb (1.1 kg)
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Mash boiled sweet potatoes with butter and salt.
  3. Cook filling, assemble, bake 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Top with chopped chives.

8. Shepherd’s Pie with Turkey

A lighter version that still tastes cozy.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: 2 lb (900 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Peas: 1 cup
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 3 lb
  • Butter: 5 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Cook turkey and onion; add tomato paste and broth; simmer 8 minutes; add peas.
  3. Top with mash and bake 22 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with cranberry sauce on the side.

9. Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Chicken

Mild flavor that works for picky eaters.

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken: 1½ lb (680 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Corn: 1 cup
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Cook chicken and onion until done. Add broth and corn; simmer 6 minutes.
  3. Top with mash; bake 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Add black pepper and chopped parsley.

10. Shepherd’s Pie with Mixed Vegetables

A classic flavor base with extra veggies.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Frozen mixed vegetables: 2 cups
  • Onion: 1
  • Beef broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Cook beef and onion; add broth and mixed veg; simmer 8 minutes.
  3. Bake 22 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with a side salad.

11. Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness Gravy

Guinness adds depth and a cozy pub feel.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 2 lb (900 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Flour: 2 tbsp
  • Guinness: ¾ cup (180 ml)
  • Beef broth: ¾ cup (180 ml)
  • Potatoes: 3 lb
  • Butter: 5 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Brown beef and veg. Stir in flour.
  3. Add Guinness and broth; simmer 8–10 minutes until thick.
  4. Top with mash; bake 22–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with buttered peas.

12. Shepherd’s Pie with Onion and Herb Mash

Herbs in the topping make it smell amazing.

Ingredients

  • Ground lamb: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Peas: 1 cup
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup
  • Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Mix parsley into mashed potatoes.
  3. Assemble and bake 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Top with extra parsley.

13. Shepherd’s Pie with Parmesan Crust

Parmesan gives a crisp, salty top layer.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup
  • Parmesan: ½ cup (50 g), grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Assemble pie and sprinkle parmesan on top.
  3. Bake 22 minutes; broil 1–2 minutes if desired.

How to Serve It
Serve with roasted broccoli.

14. Classic Mini Shepherd’s Pies (Muffin Tin)

Great for parties and easy portions.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Peas: 1 cup
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Spoon filling into greased muffin cups.
  3. Pipe or spoon mash on top.
  4. Bake 15–18 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve warm with a side salad.

15. Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

A lighter topping that still feels cozy.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Cauliflower florets: 6 cups
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Steam cauliflower until very tender, blend with butter and salt.
  2. Cook filling, top with cauliflower mash.
  3. Bake 18–20 minutes at 400°F (205°C).

How to Serve It
Top with chives.

16. Shepherd’s Pie with Corn Topping Mix

Corn adds little pops of sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Corn: 1½ cups
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Stir corn into filling before topping.
  3. Bake 22 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with hot sauce on the side.

17. Shepherd’s Pie with Pea and Mint (Lamb)

Mint brightens the lamb and keeps it fresh.

Ingredients

  • Ground lamb: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Peas: 1½ cups
  • Fresh mint: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Stir mint into filling after simmering.
  3. Top with mash; bake 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with a simple cucumber salad.

18. Shepherd’s Pie with Caramelized Onions

Sweet onions add big comfort flavor.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Onions: 2 large, sliced
  • Butter: 2 tbsp (for onions)
  • Broth: 1 cup
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Cook onions in butter on low 20 minutes until golden.
  2. Brown beef, add onions, add broth; simmer 6 minutes.
  3. Bake 22 minutes at 400°F (205°C).

How to Serve It
Serve with roasted carrots.

19. Shepherd’s Pie with Root Vegetables

A hearty filling packed with classic Irish veg.

Ingredients

  • Ground lamb: 1½ lb
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Parsnips: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 1¼ cups
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Cook lamb and vegetables until soft. Add broth; simmer 8 minutes.
  3. Bake 22–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Top with chopped parsley.

20. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie (Lentils)

Lentils make it hearty without meat.

Ingredients

  • Cooked brown lentils: 3 cups
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Vegetable broth: 1½ cups
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Simmer lentils, veg, broth, and tomato paste 10 minutes.
  3. Top with mash and bake 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with a side salad.

21. Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Roast Lamb

A great way to use leftover roast meat.

Ingredients

  • Cooked roast lamb: 3 cups, chopped
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 1¼ cups
  • Flour: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 2½ lb
  • Butter: 4 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Cook onion and carrots. Stir in flour and broth; simmer 6 minutes.
  3. Add lamb to warm through.
  4. Top with mash; bake 20 minutes.

How to Serve It
Serve with peas and gravy.

22. Skillet Shepherd’s Pie (Quick Version)

Faster cooking with one-pan comfort.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 1½ lb
  • Onion: 1
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Beef broth: 1 cup
  • Instant mashed potatoes: 4 cups prepared
  • Butter: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat broiler.
  2. Cook beef and onion, add broth and peas; simmer 6 minutes.
  3. Spread mash on top, dot with butter.
  4. Broil 3–5 minutes until golden.

How to Serve It
Serve straight from the skillet.

23. Freezer-Friendly Classic Shepherd’s Pie

Make ahead, freeze, and bake when you want an easy dinner.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 2 lb (900 g)
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Peas: 1 cup
  • Beef broth: 1¼ cups
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes: 3 lb
  • Butter: 6 tbsp
  • Milk: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Cook filling and mash as usual.
  2. Assemble in a foil pan. Cool completely.
  3. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
  4. Bake from thawed at 400°F (205°C) for 25–30 minutes, or from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes.

How to Serve It
Add a simple salad or steamed veg.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s pie is cozy, familiar, and always a good idea when you want a dinner that feels like home. Try a classic version first, then branch out with cheesy toppings, veggie swaps, or fun mini pies. Save this list for later and share it with someone who loves comfort food—because a golden mashed potato top is meant to be enjoyed together.

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