quick & easy Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie (it seems that many of us don’t know how to spell shepherd and the #1 Googled spelling is Shepard? Go figure.) is a classic comfort food recipe. Like Swedish Meatballs and Meatloaf,  has it’s beginnings in leftovers. Humble beginnings are the trademark of all great comfort foods. This easy shepherd’s pie with beef  is a great one.

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb. Most of us make, in fact, Cottage Pie because we use ground beef in our recipe. I’m okay with the swap out of meats. Ground beef is more my thing, anyways. Any easy shepherd’s pie ground beef dinner recipe is a winner in my busy home, frankly. (P.S. Have you tried my Ground Beef Wellington’s? To die for!)

Leftover potatoes, veggies, meat, and fat drippings from the evening’s meal are how this dish was made. They would layer them up, add a bit more spice or fresh herbs on top to pretend they weren’t giving you last night’s supper, and put it into the fire to get hot and bubbling. Lunch is served!

In my family, Shepherd’s Pie isn’t made with leftovers. It is made on purpose. This comfort food is preferred over traditional meat and potatoes any day!

This recipe is an easier, faster, and less intimidating version of Shepherd’s Pie that anyone can tackle. I use pre-made ingredients that simply need assembling and baking… easy! Use your favorite gravy, potatoes, and veggies. Heck, even go for ground lamb to make it authentic!

easy Shepherd’s Pie ideas:

• try sweet potatoes in place of traditional
• make your own mashed potatoes
• green beans & corn are kid-faves for this recipe
• add in chopped onion and garlic when sauteing the meat
• use homemade or good quality gravy.
• try provolone or gouda cheese
• add a crunchy topping like French Fried onions, crushed chips or crackers, or slivered almonds

Make ahead & Storing:

1. This recipe can easily be made ahead, covered with plastic or aluminum, and kept in the fridge until ready to be baked for a full day, easily. Just add about 10-15 minutes of baking time (you will be starting with a completely cold dish!)
2. Store the leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
3. The leftovers re-heat beautifully! They are, after all, left overs :).

P.S. Don’t be surprised to see ketchup on the table with this meal. It seems to be a common thing.

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Cheesy Shepards Pie

An easy ground beef dinner recipe that is the best of comfort food! Shepherds Pie (or cottage pie when made with ground beef) is a quick and easy family meal. Made with prepared ingredients to get it in the oven even faster!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground meat (turkey, beef, etc)
• 16 oz frozen veggies
• 1 jar beef gravy
• 24 oz potatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Brown meat. Add veggies for a few minutes. Stir in beef gravy.

3. Spray a 9 inch pan with cooking spray. Add the cooked meat. 

4. Mix the garlic and potatoes with 1/2 the cheddar cheese. Spoon over meat.

5. Top with the last of the cheddar cheese. 

6. Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Top with green onions and serve.