Shepherd's Pie

This hearty shepherd's pie is perfect for busy weeknights—make it ahead and pop it in the oven straight from the freezer. Ground beef mingles with sautéed onions, carrots, peas, and corn in a savory gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal in one dish. It's the kind of comforting dinner that feeds a family and gives you leftovers to boot.

Dinner · easy · large skillet · pot · sheet pan · 8x8 baking dish · potato masher · make-ahead · Ryan Johnson's Kitchen

Prep 10 min · Cook 45 min · Total 55 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetable Layer

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 3/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 cup beef stock
• Salt and pepper

Mashed Potato Layer

• 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter, softened or melted
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, then add beef. Brown beef until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Soak up excess beef fat with a paper towel, then add onion and carrot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook for 10 minutes, until soft.
2. Add the peas and corn, and cook for 2 minutes. Add butter to the pan and toss around until fully melted, then stir in flour, thyme leaves, and garlic. Stir for 1 minute, until flour disappears.
3. Add beef stock, then bring liquid to a boil over high heat. Cook for a minute or two until broth thickens into a light sauce. Remove pan from heat and transfer beef and veggie mixture to an 8x8 baking dish.
4. Preheat oven to 425ºF.
5. To make the mashed potatoes, place cubed potatoes in a pot filled with cold water. Place on the stove set over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes, until potato cubes are fork-tender. Drain potatoes, then spread them out on a sheet pan in a single layer and let sit for a couple minutes so the steam can escape.
6. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the potatoes, then stir in cream, milk, butter, and cheese. Make any necessary seasoning adjustments with salt and pepper.
7. Spread mashed potatoes on top of the beef and veggies in the 8x8 baking dish.
8. Bake shepherd's pie for 20–25 minutes, until mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top. Serve and enjoy!

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