To make this shepherd’s pie even easier, you might use leftover mashed potatoes.

Shepherd’s pie originated in Britain, and it’s traditionally made with ground lamb.

Learn how to make shepherd’s pie.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie in the baking dish ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

When this dish is made with ground beef, it’s called cottage pie.

After all, the classic recipe has meat, vegetables, and a starchy topping.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook 3 minutes until beginning to soften.

Drain, if needed, then return to pan.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie greasing the baking dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle with flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Simmer Meat Filling:

Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer.

Cook until liquid has been reduced by half and has the consistency of gravy, about 15-20 minutes.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie cooking the onion and garlic

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in frozen vegetables and cook 1 minute longer.

Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Boil potatoes:

While the meat mixture cooks, prepare the mashed potatoes.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie cooking the ground beef

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a Dutch oven and add water to cover by 2 inches.

Bring to a boil over medium-high, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Drain well and return to pan.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie adding the worcestershire sauce and tomato paste

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Finish Mashed Potato Topping:

Whisk together half and half and egg yolk.

Dollop over meat mixture and then spread into an even layer.

Bake:

Bake 45-50 minutes or until potato topping is lightly browned.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie adding the frozen vegetables to the meat mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle with chives and additional pepper, if using.

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie adding the filling to the baking dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie returning the cooked potatoes to the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie mashing the potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie spreading the mashed potatoes over the meat filling

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shepherd’s Pie in the baking dish sprinkled with parsley

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox