The perfect comfort food for your family: Classic Skillet Shepherd’s Pie (or Cottage Pie) made with ground beef or lamb, topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. This hearty and delicious dish features a flavorful meat filling, all cooked on the stovetop without needing to bake.
Classic comfort food especially for a busy weeknight meal. Traditional shepherd’s pie is one part casserole, one part one-pot meal, and one part meat pie with no sour cream! This recipe for no bake shepherd’s pie is the perfect comfort food for any chilly day, or of course for St. Patrick’s day.
Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie
Traditionally, Shepherd’s pie is always made with ground lamb (sheep-herder = shepherd), so a meat pie made with ground beef (like mine!) is actually a Cottage Pie, but here in the States we know them generically as Shepherd’s pie.
There are also variations on the spellings of Shepherd — Shepards and Sheppard’s pie are a couple; I am not here to debate which is right or wrong — just to provide you with an award winning ground beef pie recipe!
Just wanted to make that clear from the get go!
The Best Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
While we tend to think of and eat Shepherd’s pie around St. Patrick’s day, this is a staple dish in the UK all year long, so think beyond March 17th.
I like my meat pies, casseroles to be thick and hearty, not soupy, the flavors develop in this cast iron skillet shepherd’s pie while simmering on the stovetop, then cooking in the oven. It’s rich, thick, and loaded with flavor!
Simple Meat Pie Ingredients
- YELLOW ONION | You could also use a sweet or white onion too!
- LEAN GROUND BEEF | I use a local ranch, grass fed beef, use your favorite blend, mine was 80/20. Also try ground lamb, chicken or turkey, an type of meat will work
- DRIED HERBS | parsley, rosemary and thyme
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE | gives ALL-THE-FLAVOR! Make sure gluten-free if staying GF.GARLIC | more punch of flavor
- TOMATO PASTE & AP FLOUR | the paste adds depth and richness while thickening, along with the flour
- BEEF BROTH | Use a good quality broth here, it finishes the intense flavors, try my homemade beef bone broth
- PEAS & CARROTS | I could not find frozen mixed vegetables, so I chopped some carrots and tossed them in with the onions, used fresh peas and tossed those in at the end.
- FROZEN CORN | use fresh if you have it and canned corn may be used in a pinch!
MASHED POTATO INGREDIENTS
- RUSSET POTATOES | You can use other potatoes, Yukon gold, but they are creamier and could be runnier as a topping.
- BUTTER | Yes, the real deal, but just a few tablespoons of butter does the trick
- HALF & HALF | If you don’t have, you can use whole milk or other milk.
- GARLIC POWDER | Flavor enhancer!
- PARMESAN CHEESE | More flavor!
- IRISH SHARP CHEDDAR | This is optional, adds a bit of a twice baked potato taste to the topping.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
It might seem daunting with all of those ingredients, but it’s really no different than many casseroles or even making your hamburgers; prep your ingredients ahead and it will go so quickly.
Add olive oil to a large skillet, over medium-high heat getting it nice and hot. Saute onions and carrots (if using fresh, wait if using frozen). Stir around for about 5 minutes until caramelized.
Add ground beef (or lamb or other ground meat) and brown (a little red showing is fine), reduce to medium heat.
Pour in Worcestershire sauce and chopped garlic, sauce for 1 minute or so until fragrant.
Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the meat is browned.
Stir in tomato paste and flour, until thick and ingredients incorporated.
Add beef broth and stir. Taste and add salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss in peas (frozen or fresh) and frozen corn, stir to combine, increase heat and bring to simmer, reduce heat, simmering for 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Set aside, smoothing into an even layer or transfer beef mixture to 10″ cast iron skillet (<– my favorite) or 9×9 casserole dish and allow to cool slightly while you make the mashed potatoes.
If making in cast iron skillet, you do not need to transfer, the best part, this traditional shepherd’s pie can be made in completely in the a cast iron skillet. You might also enjoy this easy zucchini and ground beef casserole recipe.
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Mashed Potato Topping
These fresh garlic and cheese mashed potatoes do not take long, especially if you have your sous chef (i.e. your child or husband) peel and cube the potatoes for you while prepping the meat portion of the pie.
Place potatoes in large pot and cover with water (about an inch above potatoes). Bring water to boil, simmering until they are fork tender, falling apart a bit when you stick a fork in one. About 10-15 minutes sea level, 15-20 at altitude.
Drain potatoes and return to the hot pot, let the potatoes rest for a minute to evaporate any remaining liquid. Then add butter, spices and half and half.
Get the potato masher out and mash until smooth, careful not to over-mix the potatoes will get gummy.
Stir in parmesan cheese, allow potatoes to cool for 5-10 minutes this will prevent them sinking into the meat mixture.
Top shepherd’s pie with mashed potatoes, evenly over meat layer in the cast iron pan and if desired sprinkle with a little Irish Cheddar Cheese.
As long as you have made the mixture and the mashed potatoes are warm, you can now assemble the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture, sprinkle with cheese if desired, cover, and cook until everything is heated through! Bypassing the oven altogether!
Read on for instructions if you have made it ahead or desire to have a crispy potato topping.
Oven Baked Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
Bake in 400°F/204°C oven (uncovered) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie
I love giving tips on how to convert recipes to gluten-free, this Cottage pie recipe is super easy to convert:
- Make sure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten free, I know for a fact that Lee & Perrins is indeed gluten free.
- Replace the flour (or omit all together) with a good Gluten Free All Purpose Flour.
- Check labels on mashed potatoes and pre-shredded cheeses if you are using store bought!
Are you ready for this golden, savory and delicious Cast Iron Skillet Shepherd’s pie? Grab a big ol’ spoon and dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions
This is somewhat the sloppy joe’s of meat pies, it’s not going to stay together perfectly, but allow it to sit and cool for a few minutes before cutting into it will help, as well as making sure you incorporate the tomato paste and flour well, cooking it down bit.
The secret is allowing the meat and potato mixture to cool slightly, let them sit for 10 minutes or so before assembling.
The pie is traditionally served with either parmesan or a good cheddar grated on top. This recipe incorporates the parmesan into the mashed potatoes and is finished with grated Irish Sharp Cheddar Cheese on top.
Variations & Tips
- MEAT SUBS | You can make this using traditional ground lamb, or try making a Chicken Shepherd’s pie or even use ground turkey.
- VEGGIE SUBS | Most recipes call for frozen peas and carrots, but I had fresh on hand, which I prefer, just replace cup for cup frozen peas and carrots.
- MAKE AHEAD | Yes, you can make it ahead and even freeze this meat pie. Allow to cool completely, freeze or refrigerate. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake as directed. Allow to sit on counter 30 minutes prior to baking.
- BROTH | If you decide to make a chicken or turkey Shepherd’s pie, then you will probably want to change the broth to chicken broth or veggie broth.
What do you serve with Shepherd’s Pie?
This savory meat pie is hearty enough to stand on it’s own, however; you might consider the following for a delicious St. Patrick’s (or any day) meal!
- Traditional Irish Soda Bread or this Irish Brown Bread is perfect to help sop up any of those delicious juices on your plate. Or even Beer Bread or Cheddar Beer Popovers.
- A lovely winter salad would be nice for a larger meal, try this Maple Pecan Salad, or deconstruct this Wild Rice Harvest Salad for a bright complimentary salad.
- And dessert might be a must; maybe Guinness Chocolate Cake or these Milk Stout Fudge Brownies?
- Wash it down with an Irish Mule, Maple Whisky Sour or a simple stout!
- Finish with this classic Irish Coffee!
More Irish Recipes
Fill out your Irish meal menu with these delicious recipes.
- Best Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
- Bangers and Mash with Milk Stout Gravy {Sausage and Mashed Potatoes}
- Lucky Charms Bars – for a wee bit o’whimsy
- 51+ Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas
I sure hope you enjoyed this recipe for traditional shepherd’s pie, if you did, pop down and leave a rating and a comment and be sure to pin.
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The Best Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped (about 1 small or medium)
- 1- 1 ½ lbs ground beef I used 80/20 beef, use ground lamb, turkey or chicken
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1-1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce make sure GF if making GF
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour | sub with Gluten free AP Flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup peas fresh or frozen
- 1 cup carrots finely chopped (may be replaced with frozen peas and carrots)
- ½ cup corn frozen, fresh or canned
Mashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs russet potatoes peeled, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
- ⅓ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- Garnish with Sharp white cheddar cheese on top optional, try Irish Cheddar!
Instructions
- Add oil to a large skillet (use your cast iron skillet you will bake in or another), over medium-high heat getting it nice and hot. Saute onions and carrots (if using fresh, wait if using frozen). Stir around for about 5 minutes until caramelized.
- Add ground beef (or lamb or other ground meat) and brown (a little red showing is fine).
- Pour in Worcestershire sauce and chopped garlic, sauce for 1 minute or so until fragrant.
Add parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir to combine, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the meat is browned. - Stir in tomato paste and flour, until thick and ingredients incorporated.
Add beef broth and stir. - Toss in peas (frozen or fresh) and frozen corn, stir to combine, increase heat and bring to a simmer, reduce heat, simmering for 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Set aside, or transfer to 10" cast iron skillet or 9×9 square casserole, make the mashed potatoes.
Mashed Potatoes (make ahead or at the same time)
- Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water (about an inch above the potatoes). Bring water to boil, simmering until they are fork tender, falling apart a bit when you stick a fork in one. About 10-15 minutes at sea level, 15-20 at altitude.
- Drain potatoes and return to the hot pot, let the potatoes rest for a minute to evaporate any remaining liquid. Then add butter, spices and half and half. Get the masher out and mash until smooth, careful not to over-mix the potatoes will get gummy.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, allow potatoes to cool for 5-10 minutes to prevent them from sinking into the meat mixture.
- Spread potatoes evenly over meat layer and if desired sprinkle with a little Irish Cheddar Cheese, cover with lid, heat on low until potatoes and mixture are heated through and cheese is melted.
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Notes
- MEAT SUBSTITUTIONS | Ground beef is actually for a Cottage Pie, ground lamb is Shepherd’s pie, you can also make a Chicken Shepherd’s pie by using ground chicken or even turkey.
- VEGGIE SUBSTITUTIONS | Traditionally, you can make this with frozen peas and carrots, but I prefer fresh instead, replace cup for cup with frozen veggies.
- CHANGE THE BROTH | If you are not a beef lover, and are planning on making this shepherd’s pie with chicken or turkey, replace beef broth with chicken or even veggie broth.
- MASHED POTATOES | Use leftover mashed potatoes, store-bought potatoes for a shortcut, time saver.
- Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, I know for a fact that Lee & Perrins is indeed gluten-free.
- Replace the flour (or omit altogether) with a good Gluten Free All Purpose Flour.
- Check labels on mashed potatoes if you are using store-bought, pre-grated or shredded cheese as they sometimes contain gluten.
Sarah
I love this recipe! It is one of my go toโs! I use a plant based meat substitute and it absorbs a lot of the broth so I recommend using a little more to get a more juicy meat mince.
Kathleen Pope
Thanks so much for your sweet comment and your twist too!!
Sara
We love Shepards pie and this was a great recipe that the whole family enjoyed, will definitely make it again.
Kathleen Pope
Thanks, Sara – so glad it was a family win!
Dannii
This was such an easy way to make a shepherd’s pie. So delicious too.
Kathleen Pope
Thanks so much, Dannii!
Sangeetha
This Skillet Shepherd’s Pie recipe looks delicious! I can’t wait to try making it. The combination of flavorful meat and creamy mashed potatoes sounds like the perfect comfort food. Thank you for sharing this recipe Kathleen!
Kathleen Pope
You are welcome!
veenaazmanov
This is just the perfect One pot meal. Healthy veggies, creamy,cheesy and meaty too. Love every combination to making this dish. Definitely a Happy Meal option.
Kathleen Pope
I love that! Definitely a happy meal!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love how easy this recipe is. Canโt wait to try it this weekend.thank you for the recipe!
Kathleen Pope
Hope you love it!
GG'
Delicious recipe just love it….Comfort food on this cold overcast day
Kathleen Pope
Perfect for an overcast day! Thanks so much, GG!
Debbie
What size skillet did you use? I’ve tried several different Cottage Pie recipes, but this ones sounds better. A tip I use is if I am out of beef broth I mix a bit of Better Than Beef Bouillon with some water for a substitute.
Kathleen Pope
Thanks for asking Debbie, I used a 10″ cast iron skillet, but you could certainly do larger! And, yes, that is great tip, I have done the same myself when I am low on beef broth!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
Yum!! This is the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for this time of year when the weather doesn’t know if it should be hot or cold. And I’m still in the stage with my girls…..so NOT a fan of the time change. My little e, in anticipation this morning, woke me at 0500 {new time}. Luckily, I convinced her to go back to bed, but it’s going to be a long day!
Kathleen
Ugh, so sorry my friend, I remember not so fondly those challenging time changes!!
Michele
How have I never thought to make my shepherds pie in the same cast iron skillet I cook the lamb in? This worked beautifully! Loved the recipe!
Julie A Menghini
I was looking for an easy dinner that would take the chill out of our bones, and this one was perfect. It’s absolutely delicious and the family is already asking for a repeat. The leftovers were marvelous too!