EASY Shepherd's Pie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Jamielyn Nye
Updated January 28, 2021

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11
ratings
18 comments

This easyshepherd’s pie is a quick twist on the classic recipe that’s hearty, comforting and delicious! Makes a great weeknight dish that will become an instant favorite!

EASY Shepherd's Pie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
Make Ahead + Freezing
Other Easy Comfort Foods
Shepherd’s Pie Printable Recipe

Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie

When I think of comfort food, I immediately think of shepherd’s pie or homemade pot pie. Both are so warm, hearty and full of rich flavors. This recipe is a bit easier to whip up than a homemade pot pie, which makes it perfect for when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

Shepherd’s pie has been a favorite dish of mine for years. This isn’t your traditional recipe, but I prefer it. I remember making this meal with my grandma as a little girl. I would always sneak bites of the mashed potatoes. They’re my favorite! She didn’t care. I remember her whispering to me “throw in more butter…throw in some cream.” ;)

This isn’t exactly the “prettiest” dish, but it is oh so good! It’s the perfect comfort food. We love it around here and don’t make it nearly enough. It’s so delicious!

EASY Shepherd's Pie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

Ingredients

Meat: Ground beef (aka hamburger meat) gives this dish a hearty and delicious flavor.
Veggies: This recipe calls for chopped onions and canned green beans. Feel free to add in other veggies like peas, corn or chopped carrots. I usually add in whichever veggies I have on hand to bulk it up a little more.
Sauce: This is the main shortcut! Use a can of tomato soup in place of making a homemade sauce. It’s mixed with creole seasoning for extra flavor and adds the perfect thick consistency. Trust me, no one will know the difference!
Potatoes: You can make homemade mashed potatoes, or use pre-made for convenience if you’re short on time.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

Cook on skillet. Add ground beef and chopped onions to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until the meat has browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the creole, tomato soup and green beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Assemble. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Then add a sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired.
Bake.Bake uncovered in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly, about 15 minutes.

EASY Shepherd's Pie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)

Make Ahead + Freezing

To make ahead: You can make this shepherd’s pie 1-2 days in advance if desired. Simply cook ingredients on the skillet (hamburger, onions, creole, tomato sauce, green beans) and pour in a baking dish. Let cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place in fridge. When ready to serve, top with mashed potatoes and shredded cheese if desired. Then bake uncovered in the oven until bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes.
To freeze: If you are planning on freezing this dish, I’d recommend baking it first prior to freezing. Simply bake uncovered in oven for 15 minutes, then let cool completely. Tightly wrap in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer (make sure it’s level and laying flat). The shepherd’s pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake until bubbly and warmed throughout.

EASY Shepherd's Pie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Other Easy Comfort Foods

EASY Sloppy Joe Recipe
Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Crockpot Chicken
Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

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Shepherd’s Pie

5 from 11 votes

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Author: Jamielyn Nye

This easyshepherd's pie is a quick twist on the classic recipe that's hearty, comforting and delicious! Makes a great weeknight dish that will become an instant favorite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound hamburger
▢ ½ cup chopped onions
▢ salt and pepper , to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon creole , or seasoned salt
▢ 20 ounce can tomato soup , do not add water
▢ 14 ounce can green beans
▢ 4 cups cooked mashed potatoes

Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, add additional vegetables if desired such as diced carrots, corn or peas

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
Cook the hamburger and onions in a skillet over medium heat. Salt and pepper to taste. Then add in creole, tomato soup and green beans. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Pour soup mixture into the baking dish. Then spread the mashed potatoes over top. Cover with shredded cheese if desired.
Bake for 15 minutes uncovered, or until bubbly.

Nutrition

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

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Categorized as: American, Beef, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

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