---
title: Best Classic Shepherd's Pie
author: Amanda Finks (The Wholesome Dish)
servings: 12
prep_time: 20m
cook_time: 50m
tags:
  - dinner
  - beef
  - lamb
  - casserole
  - comfort-food
source: The Wholesome Dish (thewholesomedish.com)
---

[-- Meat Filling --]

In a #large skillet{}, heat @olive oil{4%tbsp} over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped @yellow onion{2%cups} and cook for ~sauté onions{5%minutes}, stirring occasionally.

Add @90% lean ground beef or ground lamb{2%lbs} to the skillet, breaking apart with a #wooden spoon{}.

Add @dried parsley leaves{4%tsp}, @dried rosemary leaves{2%tsp}, @dried thyme leaves{2%tsp}, @kosher salt{1%tsp}, and @ground black pepper{1%tsp}. Stir well and cook until meat is browned, ~brown meat{6%to 8%minutes}.

Add @Worcestershire sauce{2%tbsp} and minced @garlic{4%cloves}. Cook for ~{1%minute}.

Stir in @all-purpose flour{4%tbsp} and @tomato paste{4%tbsp} until thoroughly incorporated and no clumps remain.

Add @beef broth{2%cups}, @frozen mixed peas and carrots{2%cups}, and @frozen corn kernels{1%cup}. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for ~simmer filling{5%minutes}, stirring occasionally. Set filling aside.

[-- Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping --]

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place peeled, cubed @russet potatoes{3.5%lbs} (about 2 large potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes) into a #large pot{} and cover with cold water.

Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until fork-tender, ~boil potatoes{10%to 15%minutes}.

Drain in a colander and return potatoes to hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate excess water.

Add unsalted @butter{1%cup} (16 tbsp / 2 sticks), @half and half{2/3%cup}, @garlic powder{1%tsp}, @kosher salt{1%tsp}, and @black pepper{1/2%tsp}. Mash with a #potato masher{} until smooth.

Stir in grated @Parmesan cheese{1/2%cup} until well combined.

[-- Assembly & Baking --]

Pour meat mixture into a #9x13-inch (or 7x11) baking dish{}, spreading evenly.

Spoon mashed potatoes over the meat and carefully spread into an even layer, roughing the surface with a fork.

Bake uncovered at 400°F for ~bake{25%to 30%minutes} until golden and bubbling around edges.

Cool for ~cool{15%minutes} before serving.