There’s something absolutely wonderful about making a Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie in advance and having it ready for a quick weeknight dinner. As a mom navigating the busy streets of Manhattan, finding time to prepare a hearty and nutritious meal for my family can sometimes be a challenge. This shepherd’s pie not only saves the day, but it also brings comfort and satisfaction to our table.
I remember making this dish for the first time when my kids were having a snow day off from school. They were so excited to play outside in the snow, and I wanted to have a warm meal waiting for them. That’s when this recipe became a family favorite. For another family-approved recipe, check out whoopie pies .
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie is ideal because it gives you the flexibility to prepare ahead and enjoy it later. The combination of seasoned ground beef and fluffy mashed potatoes is a classic that both adults and kids love. Plus, the addition of thyme and garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor. Whether you’re serving guests or just feeding the family on a busy weeknight, this dish will leave everyone satisfied and happy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
- 3/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- Salt and pepper
- 2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp. butter, softened or melted
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-step instructions
1. Cook the beef mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and brown until fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Remove excess fat with a paper towel.
- Add the onion and carrot, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 10 minutes until soft.
- Add the peas and corn and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Stir in the butter until melted.
- Add the flour, thyme leaves, and garlic; stir for 1 minute until combined.
- Pour in the beef stock and bring to a boil over high heat, letting it thicken for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8×8 baking dish.
2. Preheat the oven
- Preheat to 425ºF.
3. Make the mashed potatoes
- Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of cold water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain and spread the potatoes on a sheet pan to release steam.
- Mash the potatoes and mix in the cream, milk, butter, and cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture.
4. Bake
- Bake the shepherd’s pie for 20–25 minutes, until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top.
5. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Recipe tips & variations
Feel free to play around with this Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie recipe. If you prefer turkey or lamb, swap it for the ground beef. You can also add other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for an extra boost. Don’t hesitate to season to your taste; adding a sprinkle of paprika or oregano can also jazz it up a bit.
Storage & reheating
When it comes to storing your Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie , make sure it’s cooled to room temperature first. For freezing, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven at 350ºF for about 30 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If refrigerated, it’s best consumed within 3 days.
FAQs
Can I freeze this shepherd’s pie before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the pie and freeze it unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to mash the potatoes?
For ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, I recommend using a potato ricer or food mill. But if you like them with a little texture, a regular old masher will do just fine.
Can I make this in a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You might need to extend the baking time slightly.
Recipes you may like
Looking for more comforting recipes to try? Check out our dutch apple pie for dessert, or consider a scrumptious cinnamon roll apple pie filling to spice up your baking adventures. These are sure to add a touch of sweetness to your day.
Print
Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious Freezer-Friendly Shepherd’s Pie recipe perfect for busy weeknights, combining seasoned ground beef and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
- 3/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- Salt and pepper
- 2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp. butter, softened or melted
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Brown the beef until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove excess fat with a paper towel, then add the onion and carrot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes until soft.
- Add the peas and corn, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted, then add flour, thyme leaves, and garlic. Stir for 1 minute until the flour is combined. Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, letting it thicken for 1-2 minutes. Transfer the beef mixture to an 8×8 baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
- For the mashed potatoes, place the cubed potatoes in a pot filled with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and spread them out on a sheet pan to let steam escape. Mash the potatoes and mix in the cream, milk, butter, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then spread on top of the beef mixture.
- Bake the shepherd’s pie for 20-25 minutes until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to play around with this recipe. Swap ground beef for turkey or lamb, or add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers.
- To store, cool to room temperature. For freezing, cover tightly.
- Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 30 minutes if frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg