Craving a comforting, home-cooked meal but short on time? Look no further than Best Quick Easy Shepherd’s Pie! This isn’t just any shepherd’s pie; it’s a lightning-fast, flavor-packed version that’s surprisingly healthy. Imagine a warm, savory filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, all ready in under an hour. As a busy parent I know how hard it is to get a decent meal on the table after a day at work or running the kids around. This recipe is something I’ve fallen in love with because it brings the whole family together with smiles.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother used to make a shepherd’s pie that took all day. While the taste was unbeatable, the time investment wasn’t always feasible. I’ve channeled her love and techniques into Best Quick Easy Shepherd’s Pie. It captures the heart of her recipe in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights without compromising on that warm, homey flavor. It’s nostalgia in minutes!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes & Broth: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
Add Peas and Corn: Mix in the frozen peas and corn. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Prepare Potatoes: While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble Pie: Pour the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy your Best Quick Easy Shepherd’s Pie!
Best Quick Easy Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound ground beef or lamb
- Add the chopped onion and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant.1 medium onion, 2 carrots, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Mix in the frozen peas and corn. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup frozen corn, Salt and black pepper
- While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.2 pounds russet potatoes
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.1/2 cup milk, 4 tablespoons butter, Salt and pepper
- Pour the meat filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy your Best Quick Easy Shepherd’s Pie!