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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.

Nourishing Shepherd's Pie

This cozy and protein-packed Shepherd’s Pie is made with wholesome ingredients like grass-fed beef, bone broth, and buttery mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect nourishing comfort food for the whole family!
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Shepherd's Pie
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

  • 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

For the Mashed Potato Topping

  • 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

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender (about 12-15 minutes)
  2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, cheese (if using), and salt. Set aside.

Cook the Meat Filling

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned. Drain fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the carrots, zucchini, and tomato paste, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the bone broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.

Assemble & Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the meat filling in a baking dish, then evenly spread the mashed potatoes on top.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  4. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Grass-fed beef adds the best flavor and nutrition.
  • Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamy, tender texture.
  • Season well while browning the beef for maximum flavor.
  • Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours.
  • Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.