Shepherd’s Pie: Two Ways

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is the best hearty and healthy dinner. It’s a flavorful ground beef base topped with sweet potato mash or cauliflower mash!

Easy Recipe for Shepherd’s Pie

I didn’t grow up eating shepherd’s pie. But ever since making this recipe, I can’t stop!

This easy shepherd’s pie recipe is the perfect dish when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. It’s loaded with protein and fall veggies and topped with creamy sweet potato or cauliflower mash.

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty dish that’s made up of a base of minced meat and mixed veggies topped with mashed potatoes and baked.

Traditional shepherd’s pie is made using ground lamb, but you will often see it made with other types of meat as well.

What is the Difference Between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

Shepherd’s pie and cottage pie are essentially the same thing. The only difference is in the meat used. Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made using ground lamb. Cottage pie is traditionally made using ground beef.

So, technically this recipe is a variation of cottage pie. But often the terms are used interchangeably!

What’s in Shepherd’s Pie

This shepherd’s pie recipe is made using a simple ground beef base with two different kinds of mash: cauliflower and sweet potato! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef Base

• Olive Oil: You’ll need a drizzle of oil to sauté the aromatics and veggies.
• Aromatics: We’re creating a flavor base with minced garlic and finely diced onion.
• Veggies: Our veggie blend consists mushrooms, carrots, and frozen peas. Feel free to use other veggies if you like.
• Ground Beef: Use grass-fed ground beef. I recommend a lean ground beef so it’s not too oily. If you notice too much grease, drain it before assembling the pie.
• Stock: You can use beef or chicken stock.
• Seasonings: I keep the ground beef base seasoning simple with just salt and pepper. If you want to spice things up a bit, feel free to add in other seasonings you like.

Sweet Potato Mash

• Roasted Sweet Potato: To roast the sweet potato, place it on a lined baking sheet and roast at 400ºF until fork-tender. Remove the peel and let it cool before making the mash.
• Milk: I use non-dairy milk, but feel free to use whatever milk you have on-hand.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of salt brings out the flavor of the sweet potato perfectly.

Cauliflower Mash

• Steamed Cauliflower: Simply steam until soft (about 5-7 minutes) so the cauliflower can be easily mashed.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Milk: Again, whatever milk you have on-hand works. I use non-dairy.
• Butter: Start with 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter and add more to taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavors in the mash and adds a subtle hint of heat.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

This easy shepherd’s pie recipe is made two ways and comes together with just 15 minutes of prep!

Scroll down for the full recipe!

1. Cook the veggies: In a large skillet, heat oil and garlic until fragrant. Add in the other veggies, then sauté until the onions and carrots are softened.
2. Add the beef and broth: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the stock, salt, and pepper, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
3. Make the sweet potato mash: Add the roasted sweet potato to a mixing bowl or blender. Blend or mash in the non-dairy milk and salt until smooth.
4. Make the cauliflower mash: Steam the cauliflower until soft. Place it into a mixing bowl or blender with the other ingredients. Mix until smooth.
5. Assemble and bake: Divide the meat mixture evenly between two baking dishes. Top one with the sweet potato mash and top the other with the cauliflower mash. Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 5-8 minutes until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Shepherd’s pie is plenty hearty and filling on its own. BUT it’s also delicious with a couple of classic side dishes!

Enjoy it with:

• Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Gluten-Free Cornbread

How to Store

Leftover shepherd’s pie will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm covered in the oven until heated all the way through.

More Comfort Food Dinners You’ll Love

• Classic Gluten Free Meatloaf
• Healthier Sloppy Joes
• Healthy Hamburger Helper
• Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

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