Name: The Best Shepherd’s Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Classic Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cups frozen corn, thawed; 2 cups frozen peas, thawed; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules; 1/2 cup cold water; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3-1/2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter); 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shepherd’s pie combines savory, seasoned beef with a mix of peas and corn for a slightly sweet, well-balanced flavor. The rich mashed potato topping adds creaminess and comfort, while the melted cheddar provides a golden, cheesy finish. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, it’s a one-dish meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup sour cream
3-1/2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic, corn, peas, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, beef bouillon granules, and cold water. Stir into the beef mixture and simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Remove skillet from heat and stir in sour cream until fully combined.
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and taste.
Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
Sprinkle paprika or fresh herbs like parsley on top before baking for extra color and flavor.
Make it lower-fat by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pie and refrigerate it before baking. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?

Yes, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just steam or sauté them slightly before mixing with the beef.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese in the mashed potatoes and omit sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly just spread them evenly over the filling and bake as directed.

Conclusion

The Best Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With savory beef, tender vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a cheesy topping, it’s a one-dish meal the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe is a timeless favorite.