This simple Shepherd’s pie is a perfect comfort meal for any night of the week, combining rich flavors with easy prep.
Shepherd’s pie is one of those classic comfort dishes that warms your soul with every bite. My take on this hearty meal is quick, simple, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. It’s the perfect way to bring together seasoned ground beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes into one delicious dish.
Here’s how I made this easy Shepherd’s pie using fresh ingredients and a few shortcuts!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp homemade green seasoning
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups frozen vegetables
- 16 oz store-bought mashed potatoes or make it fresh!
- 1 egg yolk
- Fresh chives for garnish
Why I Love This Recipe
This Shepherd’s pie is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of my homemade green seasoning, adobo, and paprika. The beef is juicy and savory, and the vegetables add a nice touch of texture. Best of all, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights because you can use store-bought mashed potatoes to save time without sacrificing taste. Of course, if you want to go the extra mile, making your own mashed potatoes is always a great option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Add in the diced onions and continue to sauté until the onions become translucent and the beef is fully cooked through. - Season the Meat:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the homemade green seasoning, paprika, and adobo seasoning. These spices bring a ton of flavor to the dish. Season with Kosher salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference. - Build the Flavor with Broth and Tomato Paste:
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and mix it into the beef. Then, pour in the beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. This step ensures the meat stays juicy while developing a rich, flavorful base. - Add the Vegetables:
Toss in the frozen vegetables, stirring them into the seasoned meat mixture. I love using frozen veggies for convenience, and they work perfectly in this dish. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes to ensure the vegetables are heated through. - Combine Egg Yolk with Mashed Potatoes:
If you’re using store-bought mashed potatoes, place them in a bowl and add one egg yolk. Stir until well combined. This step adds a richer texture and helps the potatoes brown beautifully when baked. The egg yolk also acts as a binder, giving the mashed potatoes a nice, firm layer on top of the Shepherd’s pie. - Layer It Up:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into an oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, layer the mashed potatoes on top. Whether you use store-bought or fresh mashed potatoes, the addition of the egg yolk will ensure the topping is extra creamy and perfectly golden after baking. - Bake and Serve:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly golden on top and everything is heated through. Once it’s done, garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Easy Sheppard’s Pie
This simple Shepherd’s pie is a perfect comfort meal for any night of the week, combining rich flavors with easy prep.
Servings 4 -6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 tbsp homemade green seasoning
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups frozen vegetables
- 16 oz store-bought mashed potatoes or make it fresh!
- 1 egg yolk
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Add in the diced onions and continue to sauté until the onions become translucent and the beef is fully cooked through.
- Season the Meat:Once the beef is cooked, stir in the homemade green seasoning, paprika, and adobo seasoning. These spices bring a ton of flavor to the dish. Season with Kosher salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
- Build the Flavor with Broth and Tomato Paste:Add the tomato paste to the skillet and mix it into the beef. Then, pour in the beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. This step ensures the meat stays juicy while developing a rich, flavorful base.
- Add the Vegetables:Toss in the frozen vegetables, stirring them into the seasoned meat mixture. I love using frozen veggies for convenience, and they work perfectly in this dish. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes to ensure the vegetables are heated through.
- Combine Egg Yolk with Mashed Potatoes:If you’re using store-bought mashed potatoes, place them in a bowl and add one egg yolk. Stir until well combined. This step adds a richer texture and helps the potatoes brown beautifully when baked. The egg yolk also acts as a binder, giving the mashed potatoes a nice, firm layer on top of the Shepherd’s pie.
- Layer It Up:Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into an oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, layer the mashed potatoes on top. Whether you use store-bought or fresh mashed potatoes, the addition of the egg yolk will ensure the topping is extra creamy and perfectly golden after baking.
- Bake and Serve:Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly golden on top and everything is heated through. Once it’s done, garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Homemade Mashed Potatoes: If you have a little extra time, I highly recommend making your own mashed potatoes for a fresher taste. Simply boil potatoes, mash them with butter, salt, and a bit of cream, and they’re good to go!
- Green Seasoning: My homemade green seasoning is a mix of herbs like parsley, cilantro, garlic, and scallions. It adds an amazing layer of flavor, but you can swap in your favorite seasoning mix if needed.
- Egg Yolk Addition: Adding an egg yolk to the mashed potatoes gives them a richer, creamier texture and helps them achieve that golden-brown finish when baked.
- Freezer-Friendly: This Shepherd’s pie is also great for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish, freeze it, and bake it later when you’re ready for a comforting dinner.
With its flavorful beef, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes, this easy Shepherd’s pie is a dish your whole family will love. Whether you’re short on time or just want something hearty and delicious, this recipe has you covered!
