Skillet Shepherd's Pie

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Meet your next comforting, home-cooked meal made easy -- Skillet Shepherd’s Pie! This classic dish is full of all the traditional flavors we enjoy, but cooked entirely in a cast iron skillet for that extra touch of rustic charm. An ideal choice for any season!

A skillet shepherd's pie on a table with a tea towel to the side.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Skillet Shepherd's Pie Ingredients
Variations
How to Make Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
More One-Pot Dinner Recipes
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Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, year-round dish that's simple to make and filling enough for family dinner night. Made with tender ground meat, savory vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all layered into one pan, this recipe delivers taste and satisfaction any night of the week.

Not only does the cast iron skillet make cleanup a breeze, but it also distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking process, allowing all those wholesome ingredients to simmer together and meld, achieving minimum effort with maximum flavor!

Love the beef and potato combo? Try this Dutch Oven Pot Roast or Ground Beef Stew, next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort: With a hearty combination of savory meat, vegetables, and creamy potatoes, this dish delivers that unbeatable and familiar home-cooked taste.
Deliciously Different: Simplifying a classic, this cast iron Shepherd's Pie comes together in one pan—making it perfect for weeknight meals that don’t skimp on taste.
Perfect for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t worry—they’re just as tasty the next day. The layers stay fresh, making this an easy and satisfying meal to reheat.

Skillet Shepherd's Pie Ingredients

Ingredients to make shepherd's pie on the table with text labels.

Ground Beef: Provides the savory base and protein source for this Shepherd's Pie casserole. For a lighter version, swap in ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative that’ll still be just as filling and delicious.
Olive Oil and Butter: Olive oil and butter act as the cooking medium and flavor enhancers when sautéing the mirepoix, helping to soften the vegetables and release their natural sweetness. Butter also enriches the creamy mashed potatoes, combining with cream and cheese for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mirepoix: A fundamental, aromatic vegetable base made of diced and caramelized onions, carrots, and celery, enhancing the layers of the pie.
Potatoes and Peas: Creamy mashed russet potatoes create a starchy topping, while peas contribute a touch of sweetness and bright green color. If russets aren’t available, use Kennebec or red potatoes for a similar texture.
Cream and Cheese: The combination of cream and cheddar cheese makes the mashed potatoes rich, creamy, and indulgent. For variety, you can try freshly grated Parmesan, Romano, or Provolone cheese instead.
Beef Stock: Forms the flavorful gravy-like base for the meat and veggie mixture, adding moisture and giving overall depth to the cast iron skillet Shepherd's Pie.
Cornstarch: The thickening agent that creates a smooth, cohesive sauce for the filling, ensuring the mixture sticks together.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a sweet umami flavor, enhancing the beef and building a delicious contrast between the savory filling and the creamy mashed potatoes on top.
Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, and a bay leaf bring complexity and a fragrant aroma, complementing the meat and vegetables well.
Seasoning: Garlic powder brings warmth and richness, while black pepper adds depth and a subtle kick.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Veggie-Packed: Boost the nutrition in every bite by adding cooked corn, green beans, zucchini, or even mushrooms to the filling.
Cheesy Overload: Why settle for just one cheese? Create a blend of melty cheeses like Gruyère, Mozzarella, and Provolone for extra gooey texture and rich flavor that will make any cheese lover come back for seconds.
Spice it Up: Add some heat by mixing in red pepper flakes, a splash of Tabasco, or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture to give the pie a spicy punch.
Crispy Topping: For an extra-crispy, golden crust, top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs and broil the Shepherd's Pie in a cast iron skillet during the last couple of minutes of baking.

How to Make Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Ready to embrace the rustic charm of this easy skillet shepherd's pie? In just 5 simple steps, you’ll have a comforting family-style meal ready to serve! Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, grab your 12-inch cast iron skillet, and gather your ingredients.

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a large pot for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain off the water.

Mashed potato mixture in a pot with cheese and seasonings added.

Step 2: Mash and Flavor the Potatoes. Add the cheese, heavy cream, and 4 tablespoons of butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meat. Cook the ground beef in your 12-inch cast iron skillet, until browned. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 4: Make the Mirepoix. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic powder, carrots and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cook the mixture until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine the Filling. Return the browned beef to the skillet, adding the beef stock, parsley, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the filling to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Peas added to the ground beef mixture to make Shepherd's pie.

Step 6: Finish the Filling. Once the mixture has reduced down, stir in the cornstarch, peas, and a small amount of water, and continue to simmer until thickened.

Mashed potatoes spread on top of the beef mixture.

Step 7: Layer the Dish. Spoon the mashed potato mixture over the meat and vegetable filling.

Baked skillet shepherd's pie on a table.

Step 8: Bake. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the potato topping is lightly browned.

Serving Suggestions

So, what to serve with shepherd's pie? That’s the question—and luckily, it’s an easy one to answer! Here are some ideas for pairing this classic dish with a variety of sides and desserts, making it a perfect choice for any meal or gathering:

Garnish the top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and pair with a simple mixed side salad for a refreshing balance to the hearty pie.
Make it the centerpiece on a buffet table with roasted asparagus, Southern creamed corn, and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms.
End the meal with a lighter dessert like jam filled ebelskivers, skillet bananas foster, or cast iron popovers.

A skillet of shepherd's pie with a portion missing and a spoon resting in it.

Expert Tips

Storing and Reheating: Once your leftovers have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the container thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
Cube the Butter: When making the mashed potatoes, cut the butter into small cubes to help it melt and blend more easily into the potato mixture.
Rest Before Serving: Let your skillet Shepherd’s Pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Create Potato Peaks: Use a fork or the back of a spoon to create peaks and valleys in the mashed potato layer. These small swirls will help form a more textured crust when baked.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make skillet Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire pie, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This is a great option for meal prep or when cooking for a gathering—leaving you free to enjoy the event rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

How do I make a vegetarian version?

Simply swap out the meat for lentils, mushrooms, vegetables, or any of your favorite meatless options. Also, be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What can I use instead of mashed potatoes?

Try sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash as alternatives to traditional mashed potatoes. Keep in mind, each substitute brings its own texture and flavor to the dish.