Rating: 3.69
(191)

Shepard Pie

August 16, 2024

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.

Shepard pie 1
Shepard Pie
3.69 from 191 votes
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty plate of shepherd’s pie to satisfy the soul.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

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!

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 22gFat: 23gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4g
Author: Cherice Sayre
Calories: 450kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pie
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    I dunno… It seems too simple to be good. I might try it, but not expecting much.

    1. User avatar marjorie.swaniawski says:

      4 stars
      Sometimes simple is the best! Give it a try, you might be surprised. 😊

  2. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved it! I added some veggies to sneak in nutrition. 🥦

  3. User avatar janessa.gulgowski37 says:

    5 stars
    Best recipe I found for shepherd pie! Garlic bread on side makes it perfect.

  4. 5 stars
    This was awesome! So easy to make and sooo tasty! Will definitely make it again. 😍

    1. User avatar donella.sanford56 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you loved it! It’s definitely a family favorite around here. 😊

  5. User avatar lanny.pagac93 says:

    4 stars
    Made this last night! Good comfort food. Nothing fancy but hit the spot.

  6. User avatar allan.batz20 says:

    2 stars
    Just 10 mins in the oven? That sounds too short! I worry it won’t cook right.

  7. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    2 stars
    Shepard pie is traditionally made with lamb, not hamburger! Just saying. 😛

  8. User avatar benito.stark says:

    3 stars
    Easy but bland. I think it needs some spices or something. Maybe garlic?

  9. User avatar Meriadoc Brandybuck says:

    1 star
    Wasnt very good. The cheese didn’t melt right and it was too soggy. I don’t recommend.

  10. 2 stars
    It’s good but kinda heavy. Like, I ate two servings and felt sleepy right after 😂 Still, the layers look nice and it smells amazing while baking.

  11. User avatar brain.kris76 says:

    5 stars
    Best shepherd pie evr!! I used beef sausage n it was yum! Def gonna make again.

  12. User avatar kendrick.crooks1996 says:

    5 stars
    This Sheperd Pie is a family favorite! So easy to make and delish!

    1. 5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! This recipe really brings everyone together. Can’t wait to make it again!

    2. User avatar Charlie Schmeler says:

      3 stars
      Shepherd’s pie has meat and peas, isn’t this just potatoes and hamburger?

  13. User avatar pablo.flatley78 says:

    3 stars
    350°F for 30 minutes with sliced potatoes? That seems too low/short. I feel like the potatoes will still be crunchy unless they’re super thin. Maybe add time or cover it with foil.

  14. User avatar dong.gerlach says:

    1 star
    Just tasted like cardboard… Not a winner for me.

  15. 3 stars
    My husband loved it but I thought it was bland. Next time more spices!

  16. User avatar claribel.altenwerth92 says:

    3 stars
    It was ok, but a bit too salty for my taste. Maybe lessen the cheese?

    1. User avatar niesha.crooks38 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! I found it salty too. Reducing the cheese could help a lot. Thanks for the tip!

  17. User avatar kaci.okuneva says:

    5 stars
    I made it without adding water to soup. Came out fine! Yummy!

  18. 4 stars
    Shepherd’s Pie is a real comfort meal! But is cream of mushroom the traditional way? I usually use beef broth. Just wondering! 4 stars.

    1. User avatar nathaniel.schaden2003 says:

      5 stars
      I think cream of mushroom gives it a nice creaminess! But using beef broth sounds good too! Just different styles maybe? 😄

  19. 4 stars
    The instructions are clear, but step 7 has weird HTML tags (“

    ”). Minor thing, but it annoyed me while cooking.

  20. 4 stars
    Super easy recipe! I added peas and carrots for some color. But it was a bit bland, maybe need more spices.

  21. User avatar zoila.jenkins30 says:

    3 stars
    I added veggies to mine but it was still sloppyyyyyy and not as good as my mom’s!

    1. 4 stars
      It’s hard to beat mom’s cooking! Maybe try baking it longer next time? It might help with the sloppiness! 😊

  22. User avatar Olene O'Keefe says:

    3 stars
    Shepherd pie… but calling it that when it’s basically a layered casserole with sliced potatoes? Still delicious though lol.

  23. 5 stars
    This recipe is so easy! I love how quickly I can make it. My family devoured it! 5 stars!

  24. User avatar pamula.blanda says:

    4 stars
    My kids loved it! Even my picky eater had seconds! Will definitely make again.

  25. User avatar royal.dickens21 says:

    4 stars
    Tasted great! But why do I have to use cream of mushroom? Can I use somethin else?

  26. 3 stars
    Not really a fan of cream of mushroom, but I substituted it with tomato soup and it turned out pretty decent. Still, is this even a real shepherd’s pie?

  27. User avatar kenisha.torphy says:

    3 stars
    Shepherds pie? More like sloppy mess pie haha 😂. It tasted alright, but looks ain’t everything. 3 stars.

  28. User avatar bennett.swaniawski73 says:

    1 star
    Not a fan. too much cream! I like a thicker shepherd’s pie.

  29. User avatar nestor.johnson says:

    4 stars
    I don’t get why u would use canned soup, fresh could be better. Anyway, made it for dinner and my kids ate it all. 😅

    1. 4 stars
      I agree! Fresh ingredients always taste better. But sometimes convenience wins. 🤷‍♀️

    2. User avatar basementDweller says:

      3 stars
      Canned soup is all they had at the store! It was easy, so I don’t mind! 😬

  30. User avatar fidel.cummings says:

    3 stars
    I think it was kinda bland. Maybe need more spices? Not a big hit at my house.

    1. User avatar lauren.johnston says:

      5 stars
      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!

  31. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    2 stars
    Why do u put water in the soup? Seems strange.

  32. User avatar enrique.macejkovic says:

    5 stars
    Came out great! Kinda feels like a warm hug in a bowl ❤️

  33. User avatar leticia.hyatt says:

    4 stars
    Wow, this brought back memories of my grandma’s cooking! A little slice of childhood.

    1. User avatar russel.mertz98 says:

      2 stars
      Shepherd’s pie is supposed to have lamb, not hamburger! This ain’t right.

    2. User avatar kirby.bergstrom55 says:

      5 stars
      Awww, that sounds lovely! Reminds me of my mom’s kitchen too. Can’t wait to try it out!

  34. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    4 stars
    Yum! was perfect after a long day. I might add some veggies next time tho.

  35. User avatar velvet.conn says:

    5 stars
    Classic comfort food. I added a little garlic powder and pepper to the meat and it bumped the flavor a lot.

  36. User avatar annamae.mueller1988 says:

    2 stars
    I think this is not real Shepherd’s Pie since it doesn’t have lamb.

  37. 5 stars
    Yum! This was super tasty! I added some veggies too. Who knew shepherd’s pie could be so good? 5!

  38. User avatar lezlie.grady7 says:

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make and my kids loved it! I added some mixed veggies too.

  39. User avatar dagmar.wilderman says:

    3 stars
    Yummy! But what’s with the half water? Has to be more cream! Need full flavor.

    1. User avatar valeri.witting1957 says:

      4 stars
      I kinda get what you mean, but I think the water helps balance the flavors. Cream’s nice, but too much can be heavy!

  40. User avatar selena.feil says:

    4 stars
    Not bad at all! I like that it’s simple and uses pantry stuff. I did add a little garlic and pepper because it felt like it needed a kick.

  41. User avatar doloris.thiel2024 says:

    3 stars
    It was just ok. A bit bland. I added some spices, and it was better.

  42. User avatar alfred.carter says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night and it came out so comforting. I used ground turkey instead of beef and it still tasted great. Definitely a repeat meal in our house.

    1. User avatar edwardo.trantow45 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome—shepherd pie comfort food is hard to beat. Ground turkey sounds like a smart swap, I bet it makes it a bit lighter but still super cozy. I’m glad it’s a repeat in your house!

  43. User avatar winfred.christiansen21 says:

    3 stars
    Shepard pie? More like cheater pie! But hey, it was edible, so I give it a 3.

  44. User avatar morton.metz60 says:

    2 stars
    You forgot to say how to season the meat! Mine was a bit bland. I added garlic and pepper.

  45. 5 stars
    Cheese on top = yes. Super simple. Would make again!

  46. User avatar hang.shanahan says:

    4 stars
    I tried this with turkey instead of beef, turned out great! Who knew healthier could be tasty!

  47. 4 stars
    Yummy! But i think u forgot to say how many potatoes to use. I just winged it.

  48. 3 stars
    Too many potatoes for me. Maybe add some veggies next time?

  49. 2 stars
    350°F for 30 minutes seems short for a full bake. I think it needs more time to properly heat through, especially with the layers.

  50. User avatar Barliman Butterbur says:

    3 stars
    lol the directions is kinda confusing w/ the second potato layer—like do we cook potatoes more? anyway i tried and it came out ok. Thank you i guess

    1. 5 stars
      Yeah I get what you mean—steps 2 and 7 make it feel like you’re supposed to cook the potatoes again. But you’re only cooking them that 4 minutes first, then layering them; the rest cooks in the oven with the meat/sauce. Glad it came out ok for you though!

  51. 4 stars
    I added veggies in the layers, turned out great! Thanks for the idea!

  52. User avatar clayton.brown87 says:

    4 stars
    This is a solid ‘use-what-you-have’ meal. I used frozen potatoes once and it turned out okay, not restaurant but good for family nights.

  53. User avatar Hotblack Desiato says:

    2 stars
    Sliced potatoes? Really? Isn’t it supposed to be mashed? I guess I’ll try this anyway but I got my doubts.

    1. User avatar I. D. Clair says:

      4 stars
      I think it sounds interesting! I never thought about using sliced potatoes. Might add a nice texture! 🍽️

    2. User avatar sofia.williamson says:

      2 stars
      Mashed potatoes are way better for this! Sliced seems odd to me. But hey, who knows? Maybe it will surprise us.

  54. 2 stars
    I don’t see how this is shepherd’s pie. Where’s the lamb? 🤔

    1. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      2 stars
      This ain’t shepard pie! Where’s the lamb? Y’all just making up names for dishes now! 😠

    2. 4 stars
      It’s definitely not traditional shepherd’s pie, but it sounds tasty! I mean, who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀

  55. User avatar elois.kuhlman67 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know… seems kinda soggy with all that soup?

  56. User avatar kathrine.prosacco24 says:

    5 stars
    My family loved it! I doubled the cheese and it got nice and bubbly on top. Also draining the fat from the hamburger is key—otherwise it gets greasy.

  57. 3 stars
    Made it with turkey instead of hamburger, it was okay but weird texture.

  58. User avatar wenona.kub60 says:

    3 stars
    Tried it, but it was a bit too mushy for my taste. Maybe cook potatoes longer? idk

    1. 3 stars
      Mushy? Hmm, my grandma always said potatoes need to be a lil softer for pies. Just sayin’ 🤷‍♂️.

    2. User avatar Orange Dartwing says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! I think the potatoes need more time to cook or maybe consider steaming them first. More flavor! 😅

  59. User avatar yuonne.steuber says:

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make! The kids loved it! Definitely a keeper!

  60. User avatar hortencia.beahan says:

    3 stars
    Could use some veggies tho. My mom woulda put peas and carrots in it.

  61. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    2 stars
    Isn’t shepherd’s pie suppose to have peas? This recipe doesn’t have any! Seems off.

  62. User avatar Ms. Jayna Schaden says:

    5 stars
    Wow! My kids asked for seconds and that almost never happens. I think the cheese on top was the best part.

  63. User avatar kathrine.mohr1982 says:

    5 stars
    So easy. Five stars from me.

  64. User avatar lewis.watsica2009 says:

    4 stars
    Never made it before. Seemed complicated but I nailed it! Thanks for sharing.

    1. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      2 stars
      Honestly, it doesn’t look that hard but my kitchen skills are sad. Maybe I’ll try it but not holding my breath.

    2. User avatar lynetta.johnston28 says:

      5 stars
      Great job! I’m so glad you nailed it! Shepard’s pie is one of my favorites. What did you think of the flavor?

  65. User avatar jay.langworth42 says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, draining the fat is key. I tried skipping it once and it got greasy. Also I added a pinch of garlic powder—highly recommend.

    1. User avatar gregorio.dooley34 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! Draining the fat makes such a difference—greasy shepherd’s pie is the worst. I’ve done the garlic powder thing too and it really boosts it. 🙌

  66. User avatar easter.bernier24 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make! My family loved it, I added some veggies tho.

  67. 5 stars
    Yum yum! Super cheesy and delicious! Makin it again!

    1. User avatar chong.cronin49 says:

      3 stars
      Isn’t shepherd’s pie supposed to have lamb? This recipe seems off. 🤔

    2. User avatar Tonia King says:

      5 stars
      Sounds amazing! I love cheesy dishes. Can’t wait to try it myself!

  68. User avatar The Allitnils says:

    2 stars
    Meh. I followed it exactly and it tasted bland. Maybe my cheese didn’t melt right? I don’t know… could use more seasoning.

  69. 3 stars
    Recipe OK, but I think it needs more seasoning. Just tastes like meat and potatoes, kinda bland. 3 stars.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree with you! More seasoning would definitely elevate this dish. Try adding some garlic powder or Italian herbs next time!

  70. User avatar emmanuel.waelchi49 says:

    1 star
    What’s Shepherd Pie? I thought it was made with lamb? 🤔

3.69 from 191 votes
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