Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a hearty and comforting recipe, which is made with ground beef and Yukon Gold potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour.

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Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Ingredients

For the 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

For the 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

How To Make Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

1. Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Soak up any excess fat with a paper towel, then add the onion and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes, until soft.
2. Make the gravy: Add the peas, corn, and butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour, thyme, and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef stock, bring to a boil, and cook for another minute or two until the broth thickens into a light sauce.
3. Boil and mash the potatoes: While the filling cooks, place the cubed potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well.
4. Finish the topping: Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher, then stir in the cream, milk, butter, and cheddar cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top.

Recipe Tips

• What are the best potatoes for mashing? Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice because they are naturally creamy and buttery, resulting in a smooth, delicious mash without becoming gummy.
• How to avoid a greasy filling? The recipe cleverly suggests soaking up the excess rendered fat from the ground beef with a paper towel before adding the vegetables. This is a key step for a rich but not greasy sauce.
• Can I use a different meat? Absolutely. While this recipe uses ground beef (making it technically a “Cottage Pie”), you can use ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie. Ground turkey or chicken would also work for a lighter version.
• How do I get a crispy potato top? After spreading the mashed potatoes, you can use a fork to create ridges and peaks across the surface. These will catch the heat in the oven and become extra golden and crispy.

What To Serve With Shepherd’s Pie

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it’s traditionally served with simple sides.

• Buttered garden peas or steamed green beans
• A slice of crusty bread to mop up the gravy
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• A side of roasted root vegetables

How To Store Shepherd’s Pie

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Shepherd’s Pie, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This is a perfect freezer meal. After baking, let the pie cool completely to room temperature. Cover it tightly with foil and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the foil-covered frozen pie in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.

Shepherd’s Pie Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
• Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue Recipe
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe