🥧 Classic Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

This Classic Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty dish layered with savory beef and vegetables in a rich tomato gravy, topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the ultimate cozy meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe delivers flavor, nostalgia, and comfort all in one dish.

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Who Is This Recipe For?

This recipe is perfect for:

• Home cooks who love hearty, wholesome comfort food.
• Families looking for an easy, make-ahead dinner.
• Anyone craving a classic casserole-style meal that feeds a crowd.
• Meal preppers wanting a dish that stores and reheats beautifully.

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Why It’s Great

• ✅ Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like ketchup, tomato juice, and potatoes.
• ✅ Rich and savory: Layers of perfectly seasoned beef and creamy mashed potatoes.
• ✅ Versatile: Great for using up leftover veggies or mashed potatoes.
• ✅ Freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch cooking or future meals.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Saucepan for mashed potatoes
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish
• Potato masher or electric mixer

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Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
• ¾ cup Heinz Tomato Juice
• 2 tablespoons Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 3 cups warm mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup warm milk

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🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the meat evenly.

Pour in the ketchup, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, then add the frozen mixed vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

In a medium saucepan, combine the warm mashed potatoes, butter, minced garlic, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed for your preferred consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create light ridges on top — this helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes or microwave until heated through.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
• Swap frozen veggies with fresh carrots, peas, or corn.
• For a bolder flavor, mix in a splash of red wine to the beef filling.

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❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Definitely — just prepare them according to package instructions for convenience.

Q: Why is it called Shepherd’s Pie if it uses beef?
Traditionally, shepherd’s pie used lamb, but in North America, beef versions are often called the same — sometimes also referred to as Cottage Pie.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.

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🏁 Conclusion

This Homemade Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food done right — hearty, satisfying, and full of rich, savory flavor. With its creamy potato topping and delicious beef filling, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, every bite feels like home.