Shepherd’s Pie Skillet
Shepherd’s Pie Skillet is everything you love about the classic casserole-style dish but made faster and simpler in a single skillet. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect meal for busy weeknights. The savory ground meat base, packed with veggies and topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes, makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser.
My family loves how the skillet format keeps everything warm and fresh while still delivering the comforting taste of a traditional Shepherd’s Pie. It’s rustic, satisfying, and incredibly easy to whip up in no time.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully and makes a lighter version of the dish.
Q: What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
A: Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with beef. You can use either for this skillet recipe!
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the meat and vegetable filling in advance, then reheat and top with mashed potatoes when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: What are some good substitutions for mashed potatoes?
A: For a lower-carb option, try mashed cauliflower or sweet potato mash!
What You Need to Make Shepherd’s Pie Skillet
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Medium pot
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Skillet
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar for extra richness, if desired, and set aside. - Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary, then add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. - Add Flavor and Simmer
Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. - Assemble the Skillet
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface. - Broil Until Golden
Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy on top. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal.
Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Skillet
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works beautifully for this recipe and ensures even cooking.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Swap out or add vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms for extra variety.
- Customize the Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, or a pinch of nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was so easy to make and tasted amazing! I love the crispy mashed potatoes on top.” – Rachel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this with turkey and sweet potatoes, and it turned out great. My kids loved it!” – Megan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect weeknight dinner. Everything cooked in one pan, and cleanup was a breeze.” – John
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This dish is so comforting and flavorful. I’ll definitely be making it again!” – Sarah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A classic made even better with the cheesy potato topping. Highly recommend!” – Emily
Printable Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Skillet
Shepherd’s Pie Skillet delivers the comforting flavors of the classic dish in a quick and easy one-pan recipe. Perfect for weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar for extra richness, if desired, and set aside.
Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary, then add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Flavor and Simmer
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
Assemble the Skillet
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface.
Broil Until Golden
- Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy on top.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal.
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