Quick Easy Shepherd's Pie

Category: Quick Dishes For When You're Already Hungry

This shepherd's pie brings hearty comfort with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, and a savory tomato gravy come together under a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese creates a golden, bubbling finish after baking. Using boxed potatoes and a seasoning packet shortens prep time while still delivering classic home-cooked flavor. This main dish serves up warmth and satisfaction for the whole family, even those with picky eaters, with easy substitutions and make-ahead convenience built in.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:30:49 GMT
A delicious looking meal of mashed potatoes, meat, and vegetables. Save
A delicious looking meal of mashed potatoes, meat, and vegetables. | lilicooks.com

This easy Shepherds Pie is one of those weeknight heroes for busy families I turn to it when I need dinner ready fast with almost no complaints from my picky eaters It is hearty filling and uses simple ingredients I almost always have on hand You can make this casserole ahead or pull it together last minute and that cheesy golden top wins over even the hardest to please kids

Ingredients

  • Mashed potatoes: boxed makes this extra fast but any mashed potatoes work look for ones with few additives for best flavor
  • Ground beef: go for eighty to eighty five percent lean for richness without excess fat
  • Frozen mixed veggies: check the bag for bright looking veggies to make the filling more colorful and sweet
  • Tomato soup: canned versions work choose one with no high fructose corn syrup for a cleaner flavor
  • Beef stew seasoning mix: look for one without too much sodium to avoid an overly salty dish
  • Water: helps everything mix together smoothly and balances out the seasoning packet
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: choose sharp cheddar for the best flavor boost and a golden cheesy top

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Follow the directions on the package using butter milk and salt as called for prepare about half the box or more if you want a thick layer light fluffy potatoes work best here
Brown the Beef:
Place a large skillet over medium heat add the ground beef and cook breaking it up as it browns until no pink remains If your family likes onion you can sautée about one chopped onion before adding the beef Spoon off most of the fat for a lighter pie
Mix in Sauce and Veggies:
With the heat on low add tomato soup frozen mixed vegetables beef stew seasoning mix and water Stir together well Let simmer for five to ten minutes so the flavors can meld and the mixture thickens a little
Layer in Baking Dish:
Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray Spread the beef veggie filling evenly across the bottom Dollop prepared mashed potatoes over the top spreading to cover every corner
Top with Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar in a generous layer over the potatoes Place the dish uncovered on the center rack of a four hundred degree oven Bake for about thirty minutes watch for the cheese to get bubbly and golden brown around the edges
A close up of a delicious looking shepherd's pie. Save
A close up of a delicious looking shepherd's pie. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Let the Shepherds Pie cool completely before covering and refrigerating Store in an airtight container for up to four days You can also freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to two months Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep the potatoes moist

A close up of a delicious shepherd's pie. Save
A close up of a delicious shepherd's pie. | lilicooks.com

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist Any mix of frozen vegetables will work even a simple mixture of just peas and carrots is delicious If you do not have mashed potato mix use leftover or homemade mashed potatoes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or pickles to brighten each bite It also goes well with crusty bread for dipping into the saucy base If you want to up the comfort serve with a bowl of warm soup as a starter

A Bit of History

Shepherds Pie hails from Britain originally made as a way to use up leftover roasted meat In modern American kitchens ground beef is the usual star making it a weeknight staple that adapts to family favorites like ours

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of boxed?

Yes, homemade mashed potatoes work well and can add extra richness to the dish. Use about 4 large russet potatoes.

→ What vegetables are best for shepherd's pie?

Frozen mixed vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn offer convenience, but you can add any favorites like green beans or bell peppers.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Assemble the shepherd's pie ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if still chilled.

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used for a lighter option, while still keeping the meal satisfying.

→ Is cheese necessary for the topping?

Cheddar cheese enhances flavor and creates a golden topping, but the pie is still delicious if you prefer to omit or swap it.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Quick Easy Shepherd's Pie

Simple and hearty dish with ground beef, veggies, and mashed potatoes—perfect for family dinners.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: 30-Minute Miracles

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 (13oz) box of mashed potatoes
02 Butter, milk, and salt (as per mashed potato package instructions)
03 1 lb ground beef
04 1 (12oz) bag of frozen mixed vegetables
05 1 (10.75oz) can of tomato soup
06 1 (1.5oz) packet of beef stew seasoning mix
07 1/2 cup water
08 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400° F.

Step 02

Prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package directions using about half of a 13oz box, adjusting for preference or portion size.

Step 03

Brown the ground beef on medium heat in a large skillet. Drain any excess grease.

Step 04

Add the can of tomato soup, frozen mixed vegetables, beef stew seasoning mix, and 1/2 cup of water to the browned beef. Stir and simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat.

Step 05

Spread the ground beef mixture evenly onto the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Step 06

Bake uncovered on the center rack of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown.

Tips

  1. You can use any mashed potatoes for this recipe, including boxed, homemade, leftover, or store-bought. Pre-made mashed potatoes from the grocery store deli section are a convenient option.
  2. Adding sautéed onions with the ground beef can enhance the flavor if desired.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheddar cheese)
  • Contains gluten (seasoning mix and potentially boxed mashed potatoes)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 20 g