This version of shepherd’s pie is quick, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients. Using a skillet saves time and cleanup, while still delivering that rich, homestyle flavor. The combination of savory meat, tender vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes creates the ultimate cozy dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef or ground lamb olive oil or butter onion, diced garlic, minced carrots, diced frozen peas or mixed vegetables tomato paste Worcestershire sauce beef broth all-purpose flour salt black pepper mashed potatoes (prepared fresh or from leftovers) Parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
Pour in beef broth and stir until the mixture thickens into a gravy. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables and remove from heat.
Spoon mashed potatoes over the meat mixture and spread evenly.
If using cheese, sprinkle over the top.
Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a browned top if desired.
Let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Use sweet potatoes: Swap regular mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Use lentils or a meatless ground substitute, and vegetable broth.
Add herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley add great aroma and depth.
Cheesy twist: Mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot. To freeze, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie traditionally uses lamb, while cottage pie uses beef. Both are similar in preparation.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and help save time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble, cool completely, then freeze. Bake from thawed for best results.
What skillet is best to use?
A large cast iron or oven-safe skillet is ideal to go from stovetop to oven.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, but you may need to adjust seasoning for flavor since they’re leaner meats.
Do I need to boil potatoes from scratch?
Not necessarily. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or even prepared mashed potatoes from the store.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter or olive oil and dairy-free milk in the mashed potatoes.
How do I get a golden potato topping?
Use the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end or brush the mashed potatoes with melted butter before baking.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
Absolutely—cheddar or mozzarella mixed into the filling adds richness.
What vegetables work well in the filling?
Carrots, peas, corn, green beans, or mixed frozen vegetables are all great options.
Conclusion
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy, classic dish that brings all the warmth of traditional shepherd’s pie in a quicker, easier format. With rich meat filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crisp golden top, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. From busy weeknights to make-ahead meals, this dish is a reliable favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground meat and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s a quick and hearty take on the classic dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:British
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared fresh or leftovers)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart as it cooks, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine.
Pour in beef broth and cook until thickened into a gravy, about 5–10 minutes.
Stir in frozen peas or vegetables and remove from heat.
Spoon mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the filling.
Sprinkle with cheese if using.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top if desired.
Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
Swap mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes for a different twist.Make it vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based ground and vegetable broth.Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.Mix cheese into the mashed potatoes for a creamy, cheesy topping.Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
