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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!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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

Method
 

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

  • Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate or freeze for easy meal prep.
  • Refrigerate: Store 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.