There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty plate of shepherd’s pie to satisfy the soul. This comforting dish has been a staple in homes for generations, offering layers of savory goodness that make it perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd. With its rich filling of tender meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, shepherd’s pie is the epitome of comfort food at its finest.
At its core, shepherd’s pie is a simple dish made with a ground meat filling, traditionally lamb (although beef is often used), cooked with vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, and then topped with a generous layer of mashed potatoes. The filling is simmered with herbs, a bit of broth, and seasonings to create a flavorful base that complements the creamy mashed potatoes on top. Once everything is assembled, the pie is baked until golden and bubbling, with the mashed potatoes turning slightly crispy at the edges.
What makes shepherd’s pie such a comforting meal is the balance of textures and flavors. The meat and vegetable filling is hearty and satisfying, while the mashed potatoes add a creamy, smooth contrast. The top gets golden and slightly crisp as it bakes, providing that perfect crunchy bite alongside the soft, flavorful filling beneath.
Shepherd’s pie is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized. You can swap out the traditional lamb for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add extra vegetables like corn, parsnips, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture. The mashed potatoes can be made with different cheeses, garlic, or even cream cheese for an extra indulgent topping.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, as it’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, shepherd’s pie is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s filling, comforting, and warm, a dish that brings people together around the table.
With its rich history and timeless appeal, shepherd’s pie is a meal that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is made by Cherice Sayre.

Ingredients
- Hamburger or sausage
- potatoes sliced
- Cream of mushroom
- shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger and then drain the excess fat.
- Cook the sliced potatoes for about 4 minutes, then drain them.
- Place the cooked hamburger in a baking pan.
- Layer the hamburger with the sliced potatoes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with half a can of water.
- Pour half of the cream of mushroom mixture over the potatoes.
- Add another layer of potatoes and hamburger in the pan.
- Pour the remaining cream of mushroom mixture over the top.
- Cook the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Take the dish out of the oven and put shredded cheese on top.
- Return the dish to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese.
- Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
I dunno… It seems too simple to be good. I might try it, but not expecting much.
Sometimes simple is the best! Give it a try, you might be surprised. 😊
Yum! My kids loved it! I added some veggies to sneak in nutrition. 🥦
Best recipe I found for shepherd pie! Garlic bread on side makes it perfect.
This was awesome! So easy to make and sooo tasty! Will definitely make it again. 😍
I’m glad you loved it! It’s definitely a family favorite around here. 😊
Made this last night! Good comfort food. Nothing fancy but hit the spot.
Just 10 mins in the oven? That sounds too short! I worry it won’t cook right.
Shepard pie is traditionally made with lamb, not hamburger! Just saying. 😛
Easy but bland. I think it needs some spices or something. Maybe garlic?
Best shepherd pie evr!! I used beef sausage n it was yum! Def gonna make again.
This Sheperd Pie is a family favorite! So easy to make and delish!
I’m so glad to hear that! This recipe really brings everyone together. Can’t wait to make it again!
Shepherd’s pie has meat and peas, isn’t this just potatoes and hamburger?
Just tasted like cardboard… Not a winner for me.
My husband loved it but I thought it was bland. Next time more spices!
It was ok, but a bit too salty for my taste. Maybe lessen the cheese?
I totally agree! I found it salty too. Reducing the cheese could help a lot. Thanks for the tip!
I made it without adding water to soup. Came out fine! Yummy!
I added veggies to mine but it was still sloppyyyyyy and not as good as my mom’s!
It’s hard to beat mom’s cooking! Maybe try baking it longer next time? It might help with the sloppiness! 😊
My kids loved it! Even my picky eater had seconds! Will definitely make again.
Tasted great! But why do I have to use cream of mushroom? Can I use somethin else?
Not a fan. too much cream! I like a thicker shepherd’s pie.
I think it was kinda bland. Maybe need more spices? Not a big hit at my house.
I totally get what you mean! I added garlic and some paprika to mine, and it turned out so much better. Spices make a huge difference!
Why do u put water in the soup? Seems strange.
Came out great! Kinda feels like a warm hug in a bowl ❤️
Wow, this brought back memories of my grandma’s cooking! A little slice of childhood.
Shepherd’s pie is supposed to have lamb, not hamburger! This ain’t right.
Awww, that sounds lovely! Reminds me of my mom’s kitchen too. Can’t wait to try it out!
Yum! was perfect after a long day. I might add some veggies next time tho.
I think this is not real Shepherd’s Pie since it doesn’t have lamb.
This was so easy to make and my kids loved it! I added some mixed veggies too.
Yummy! But what’s with the half water? Has to be more cream! Need full flavor.
I kinda get what you mean, but I think the water helps balance the flavors. Cream’s nice, but too much can be heavy!
It was just ok. A bit bland. I added some spices, and it was better.
Shepard pie? More like cheater pie! But hey, it was edible, so I give it a 3.
I tried this with turkey instead of beef, turned out great! Who knew healthier could be tasty!
Yummy! But i think u forgot to say how many potatoes to use. I just winged it.
Too many potatoes for me. Maybe add some veggies next time?
I added veggies in the layers, turned out great! Thanks for the idea!
I don’t see how this is shepherd’s pie. Where’s the lamb? 🤔
This ain’t shepard pie! Where’s the lamb? Y’all just making up names for dishes now! 😠
It’s definitely not traditional shepherd’s pie, but it sounds tasty! I mean, who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀
I don’t know… seems kinda soggy with all that soup?
Made it with turkey instead of hamburger, it was okay but weird texture.
Tried it, but it was a bit too mushy for my taste. Maybe cook potatoes longer? idk
Mushy? Hmm, my grandma always said potatoes need to be a lil softer for pies. Just sayin’ 🤷♂️.
I had the same issue! I think the potatoes need more time to cook or maybe consider steaming them first. More flavor! 😅
This was so easy to make! The kids loved it! Definitely a keeper!
Could use some veggies tho. My mom woulda put peas and carrots in it.
Isn’t shepherd’s pie suppose to have peas? This recipe doesn’t have any! Seems off.
Never made it before. Seemed complicated but I nailed it! Thanks for sharing.
Honestly, it doesn’t look that hard but my kitchen skills are sad. Maybe I’ll try it but not holding my breath.
Great job! I’m so glad you nailed it! Shepard’s pie is one of my favorites. What did you think of the flavor?
This was super easy to make! My family loved it, I added some veggies tho.
Yum yum! Super cheesy and delicious! Makin it again!
Isn’t shepherd’s pie supposed to have lamb? This recipe seems off. 🤔
Sounds amazing! I love cheesy dishes. Can’t wait to try it myself!
What’s Shepherd Pie? I thought it was made with lamb? 🤔
Not enough detail on cooking the potatoes! Mine were a little undercooked. 😕
Shepard’s pie isn’t supposed to have cream of mushroom! You should use gravy.
Can I use chicken instead of hamburger? Asking for a friend!
Very good! I’m not a cook but this one was nice and simple.
This was super easy to make and my kids loved it! Definitely a keeper!
I don’t think using cream of mushroom is the right way to go. Real cooked mushrooms would be better.
Yum yum yum!!! Perfect comfort food 😋. Thank you for sharing!
I don’t know about the cream of mushroom, I think it’s kinda gross. Can I use something else?
I don’t think this is a real shepherd’s pie. Where’s the lamb? Disappointed.
Easy recipe! My kids loved it. Will make again!
Not really a shepherd’s pie, more like a casserole. Where’s the peas and carrots? Disappointed.
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Totally agree! This recipe is a classic, can’t wait to dig in!
Forgot the cheese, lol. Still really tasty!
Who needs cheese anyway? I think it sounds good as it is! Less calories, right?
Haha, good to know it still turned out well even without cheese! Maybe try adding some next time for extra flavor?
Pretty good! I used fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom. Yummy!
Soggy. 🙁
Can’t go wrong with cheese! This dish has my heart 💖.
I don’t know, cream of mushroom isn’t that great… is there a way to skip that part?
Totally agree! Cheese makes everything better! 🧀💖
Shepard pie is spelled wrong, it’s shepherd. But whatever, it still looks good!
This recipe is sooo easy and delicious! My family loved it!
I’m glad your family loved it! This recipe is definitely a crowd-pleaser. 😍
It looks good, but I’m skeptical about using cream of mushroom. Can’t we make it healthier? 🤔
This recipe is easy and delicious! My family loved it!
Yum! Cheeeese! I could eat just the cheese all day. Thanks for sharing!
Right? Cheese makes everything better! Can’t wait to try this recipe out! 😍
This recipe is easy but I don’t have cream of mushroom… can I use tomato sauce?
Not bad but my husband said it was too creamy. Will try without the water next time.
ugh. I burnt it… Can someone help me? Why I even try this?!
Yum!
I made it but forgot to drain the potatoes… it was a soggy mess but tasted ok.