Name: Nourishing Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or lamb); 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 carrots (diced); 1 zucchini (diced); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup beef bone broth; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional); 2 large russet potatoes or 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cubed); 3 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional); 1/2 tsp salt

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Nourishing Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate cozy comfort food—packed with protein, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients to keep your family satisfied. With buttery mashed potatoes layered over a savory, veggie-filled meat filling, this classic dish is both nourishing and irresistibly delicious!

Shepherd's pie in a serving dish with a piece cut out with a large silver spoon. A plated piece of the shepherd's pie on a white plate with a silver fork. All on a wooden cutting board with a plaid towel next to it.

I created this Shepherd’s Pie because I wanted a cozy, protein-packed meal that was both simple to make and filled with whole, nourishing ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition—hearty enough to satisfy my family while using real food to fuel our bodies well!

Contents hide

1 Why You’ll Love this Recipe

2 Ingredients Breakdown

3 How to Make Nourishing Shepherd’s Pie

4 Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie

5 Storage and Meal Prep Tips

6 More Nourishing Comfort Food Recipes

7 Nourishing Shepherd’s Pie

7.1 Ingredients

7.2 Method

7.3 Notes

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

High in protein & nutrients: Made with quality meat, bone broth, and whole food ingredients that you will be proud to serve your family.

Easy to prepare: So simple to prepare and with minimal prep time.

Perfect for meal prep: Great for making ahead and freezing. Would be a great postpartum meal.

Family-friendly: A comforting dish that kids and adults love.

Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredient flatlay of all the ingredients needed for this recipe: Parmesan, ground bee, potatoes, milk, salt, beef broth, seasonings, peas, carrots, zucchini, garlic, onion, butter, Worcestershire.

Meat Filling:

Ground beef (or lamb) – The hearty, protein-rich base.
Butter– Adds flavor and healthy fats.
Onion & garlic – Bring warmth and depth.
Carrots & zucchini – Sneak in extra veggies and adds texture.
Tomato paste – Adds richness.
Beef bone broth – Boosts flavor and nutrients.
Worcestershire sauce (optional) – Adds a deep, savory taste.
Thyme, salt & pepper – Simple seasonings for balance.
Frozen peas (optional) – A pop of sweetness and color.

Mashed Potato Topping:

Potatoes – The creamy, cozy topping.
Butter – Makes the potatoes rich and flavorful.
Milk or cream – For smoothness.
Cheese (optional) – A little extra indulgence if you want.
Salt – Enhances the flavors.

How to Make Nourishing Shepherd’s Pie

Mashed potatoes made in a stainless steel pan with a stainless steel spoon

Step 1: Boil the mashed potatoes for 12- 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain then mash with butter, milk, salt, and cheese (if using). Then set to the side.

all the ingredients for the filling of the shepherd's pie in a stainless steel pan with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat melt your butter then sauté the garlic and onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the carrots, zucchini, and tomato paste, cooking for 3-5 minutes. Pour in the bone broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the peas (if using), then remove from heat.

Shepherd's pie filling topped with mashed potatoes in a white round serving dish ready to bake

Step 3: Transfer the meat filling to an 8×8 baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top using a fork to make a bit of texture. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden.

Shepherd's pie baked in a white round baking dish on a cutting board cooling with a plaid towel next to it.

Step 4: Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie

I always opt for a Grass-fed beef to add extra nutrition and so much more flavor.
Yukon Gold potatoes make the dish extra creamy and the perfect texture.
Assemble and refrigerate or freeze for easy meal prep for busy nights.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

More Nourishing Comfort Food Recipes

Nourishing Shepherd's Pie in a white round serving dish with a piece cut out with a silver spoon on a wooden cutting board with a plaid towel.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!