Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (Easy, Cozy Cottage Pie)

Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie is one of those cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dinners that never goes out of style. A rich ground beef and vegetable filling bubbles away under a blanket of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes until the top is golden and just a little bit crisp around the edges. It's everything you want on a chilly night in one pan.

Updated November 2025: This post has been refreshed with new tips and FAQs, but the original Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie recipe posted on November 20, 2024, remains the same.

I grew up watching my mom turn leftover mashed potatoes and veggies into a "clean-out-the-fridge" pie that somehow always felt like Sunday dinner. As a lifelong home cook and recipe developer since 2013, I've taken that same idea and polished it into a simple, reliable Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe you can come back to again and again. If you love cozy classics like my Chicken Pot Pie, too, this one absolutely belongs in your comfort-food rotation.

Let's get started! 

Why You'll Love This Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe?

• Made with Ground Beef - Technically, this is a cottage pie which is made with ground beef and not a shepherd's pie, which is usually made with ground lamb. But typically in the United States, it is still referred to as shepherd's pie. 
• Comforting - This is the ultimate comfort food! Mashed potatoes are piled on top of a meat filling and baked until the top is slightly crispy. What's not to love about it? 
• Leftover Friendly - Growing up, my mom would make this recipe with leftover mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables, so it may change depending on what's available. It's also great to serve the next day or freeze it for later. 

Before You Cook (Read This First)

• The Vibe: Think cozy cottage pie made with ground beef. Savory, saucy filling on the bottom and fluffy, cheesy mashed potatoes on top. Perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinner.
• Time & Tools: Plan on about 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of bake time. You'll need a large skillet and a 9x13-inch baking dish (or a deep braiser/cast iron skillet).
• Best Potatoes: Yukon Golds make the creamiest, most buttery mashed potatoes, but Russet potatoes work beautifully if that's what you have.
• Ground Beef Matters: Use lean ground beef or 80/20 ground chuck and brown it well so the filling develops a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Built for Leftovers: This recipe works great with leftover mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables from another meal. You can also assemble it ahead and bake right before serving (more on that in the storage section below).

Ingredients You'll Need 

1. Olive Oil - Used to sauté the vegetables briefly to soften them. You can use avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil instead.
2. Onion - Adds an earthy, slightly sweet flavor to the ground beef mixture. Use a white or yellow onion, whichever you prefer.
3. Carrot - Adds color and a touch of sweetness. You can use baby carrots or chop whole carrots into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
4. Celery - Adds aromatic flavor and a little crunch to the beef mixture. Roughly slice two stalks (ribs) of fresh celery.
5. Garlic - Brings an earthy, savory punch. Use more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
6. Ground Beef - The main ingredient for the savory pie filling. Any ground beef mix you like will work. I love using lean ground beef or ground chuck with an 80/20 fat ratio.
7. All-Purpose Flour - Helps thicken the meat mixture so it's saucy, not soupy. Cornstarch can be used as a substitute.
8. Tomato Paste - Adds richness, body, and a touch of acidity for a deeper savory flavor in the shepherd's pie filling.
9. Beef Broth - The base liquid for the meat mixture that helps the beef and vegetables become tender and flavorful. Beef stock or even chicken broth can be used instead.
10. Red Wine - Any dry red wine you enjoy drinking will work. It deepens the flavor of the beef, but can be omitted if you prefer.
11. Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a bold, savory, umami flavor. I don't recommend skipping or substituting this ingredient.
12. Dried Thyme - Adds an earthy herb note that pairs well with beef. You can use fresh thyme if you have it, just double the amount.
13. Frozen Vegetables - Any combination of frozen vegetables can be added, but I prefer to use peas, carrots, and corn. 
14. Salt and Ground Black Pepper - Essential for bringing out all the other flavors, so the shepherd's pie doesn't taste flat. Season to taste and adjust as needed.
15. Potatoes - Use Yukon Gold potatoes, Russet potatoes, or a mix of both. Yukon Golds are small and naturally buttery. Russets are starchy, hearty, and easy to find year-round.
16. Butter - Adds richness and buttery flavor to the mashed potatoes. Use salted or unsalted butter. Let it soften to room temperature or melt it for easier mixing.
17. Milk - Whole milk helps smooth out the potatoes and turn them into a creamy mash. Heavy cream can be used instead if you love extra-rich mashed potatoes. Warm milk blends in more easily.
18. Cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese is mixed into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy, savory topping. Parmesan or a blend of both can also be used.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef 

Prepare the Potatoes. Clean and peel the potatoes. Cut into small pieces about 1 inch in size. Place the potatoes into a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, but don't overcook them. Drain off the water and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes in the same pot. Add the butter, milk, cheese, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue mashing until smooth. Set aside. 

Cook the Vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. 

Cook the Meat Filling. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Deglaze the pan with the red wine and sprinkle in the flour.

Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, salt, ground black pepper, and frozen vegetables. Stir to combine. Cook until the meat mixture begins to thicken. 

Assemble the Pie. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the hamburger meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan or transfer it to a separate baking dish.

Scoop the mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly, making sure the mashed potatoes meet the edges of the dish to prevent the filling from bubbling over.

Place into the oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Enjoy! 

Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie 

• Brown the ground meat well to develop a deeper flavor and a slight caramelization. 
• A couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch added to the meat mixture will help to thicken it and give it structure. 
• Season the ground beef mixture generously, taste it, and adjust as needed while preparing. 
• Use a starchy potato for the best mashed potato topping that holds shape. Russet potatoes or Yukon gold are great options. 
• Shepherd's pie can be made in a casserole dish, cast-iron skillet, or large braiser. 
• Use a fork to make ridges into the potato topping before baking. You could also use a piping bag to create a smooth or decorative topping. 
• For more stability to the mashed potatoes, try mixing in an egg yolk along with the other mashed potato ingredients.  

Storage, Reheating, & Freezing

Storage

Let the shepherd's pie cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Shepherd's Pie?

For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until the filling is hot and the mashed potato topping is warmed through and slightly crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave in 60-90-second bursts, stirring the filling as needed.

Can You Freeze Shepherd's Pie?

Yes! Baked and fully cooled shepherd's pie can be frozen for 1-2 months. Wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until hot all the way through.

Want More Ground Beef Recipes? Try These:

• Easy Baked Spaghetti 
• Southern Meatloaf Recipe 
• Beef Baked Tacos 
• Barbecue Cornbread Muffins 
• Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole 
• Old Fashioned Hamburger Gravy 
• Easy Lasagna Recipe

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways and ideas to enjoy this Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!