This easy skillet Shepherd’s Pie is one recipe that is going to be a truly hearty meal without a lot of work or fuss on your end. There’s no denying that creamy texture and familiar flavor of a homemade shepherd’s pie. One bite and it instantly transports me back to my childhood, craving more! Let me show you how to make this quick and easy dinner recipe using ground beef, frozen vegetable mix and instant mashed potatoes!
I love to make this shepherd’s pie with ground beef during the cooler months of the year because there really is just something so nice and filling about it that warms the belly. The kids like it for dinner as well because they like trying to guess all the ingredients inside this ground beef shepherd’s pie but I make them taste test it and shout out their guesses after every single bite.
It’s comfort food made all in your skillet and ready in under 30 minutes!
What is skillet shepherd’s pie?
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic hearty dish that has many different ingredients from potatoes to meat to veggies. It’s best served warm and piled high on a plate or in a bowl.
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie (called cottage pie as well) is made with ground lamb. Ground beef makes a great and cost effective substitution. This recipe is also cooked all in a skillet for less dishes and more flavor!
Beef shepherd’s pie ingredients
Gather up this list of tasty ingredients to get started on this delicious beef shepherd pie!
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ground Beef
- Italian Seasoning
- Beef Broth
- Mixed Frozen Vegetables
- Heavy Cream
- Cornstarch
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Onion – Using a sweet onion will read add in a ton of flavor.
Ground Beef/Hamburger Meat – You can also use ground turkey meat as well to cut down on the fat.
Beef Broth – This adds a hearty flavor but vegetable broth or even chicken broth could be used, too.
Mixed Frozen Vegetables – Buy them already mixed together or buy individual and combine.
Heavy Cream – Swapping out for half and half is an option as well.
Cornstarch – Leave out the cornstarch and use Arrowroot powder to make it gluten-free.
Instant Mashed Potatoes – You’ll need milk to make these up as well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – You can also add in any other type of shredded cheese that you want as well.
How to make easy skillet shepherd’s pie
Once you have all your ingredients, you will also need to grab:
- a cast iron skillet
- medium pot
- spatula
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
Step 1 Saute onion and garlic
In a large skillet melt the butter and add the onion and garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until onion is translucent and soft. About 4 minutes.
Step 2 Season and cook the ground beef
Add in the hamburger meat and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. Cook until no longer pink the center.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package.
Step 3 Add frozen vegetables and broth
Pour in the beef broth and the frozen vegetables. Cover and bring to a boil. Boil for 3-4 minutes or until the veggies are cooked through.
Step 4 Thicken with cornstarch
In a small cup mix together the heavy cream and cornstarch. Pour it into the skillet, mix everything together and bring to a boil. Let boil for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5 Add instant potatoes
Spread the mashed potatoes on top and top with an additional 1/2 of cheese.
Step 6 Bake
Place in a 350 degree oven and bake until the cheese bubbles, about 10 minutes. Remove, allow to cool slightly, serve and enjoy!
How to store leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have some leftover for later, just put it in a container with a lid and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just remove, reheat, and enjoy.
Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
You can but it might change the texture a bit. The main thing to remember when freezing shepherd’s pie is that you need to have it in a freezer-proof container to keep it from getting freezer burnt.
How to store leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, all you need to do is add them to a container with a lid and store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat the leftovers, just reheat and enjoy.
Side dish ideas
Since Shepherd’s Pie is really a full meal on its own, thinking of side dishes might seem a little difficult at times. I would recommend just making up a nice side salad or steaming up some extra veggies to have on the side.You can also try:
Other beef recipes to try
If you like the idea of more easy beef dinners, check out some of these dinner options.
Skillet shepherd's pie
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 gloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound hamburger
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 4 cups of mixed frozen vegetables
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder to make it gluten free
- 2 packages of instant mashed potatoes (plus water or milk to make them), already prepared according to package
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Like this quick and easy dinner recipe? Be sure to pin it to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest!
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Evelyn says
My mom makes shepherds pie. She just browns the ground beef and onions. Drain grease add a can of corn . Heat thru then mashed potatoes on top. Season meat however u want
Kelley says
Sounds delish! Thanks for sharing!