By Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Classic Shepherd’s Pie becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
¾ cup Heinz® Tomato Juice
2 tablespoons Heinz Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas and carrots)
3 cups cooked, warm, mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
⅔ cup warm milk
How To Make Classic Shepherd’s Pie
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Heat oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and 1/2 of the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes.
Crumble ground beef into pan and cook until brown all over. Sprinkle with flour. Stir in ketchup, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in mixed vegetables. Transfer to a 9-inch baking dish.
Whip mashed potatoes with warm milk, remaining salt and pepper, butter, and garlic until very fluffy. Spread potatoes evenly over meat mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are golden on top, about 35 minutes.
Recipe Tips
For a meatless version, substitute 4 cups of chopped mushrooms for the meat.
For a pub-style shepherd’s pie, use ground lamb instead of beef and mark the potatoes with the tines of a fork.
This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Increase cooking time to 45 minutes.#ShepherdsPie
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Heat oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and 1/2 of the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes.
Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are golden on top, about 35 minutes.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
