Okay, picture this: I’m I’m holding a newborn, my other little one is tugging at my leg, and dinner? What is the last thing on your mind when you think about dinner? How do I make a Shepherd’s Pie?Postpartum freezer meals: What are, is total comfort food, just like grandma used to make, but designed for super busy moms. Is it easier to make lasagna from scratch?

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty meat pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Think of it as the ultimate cozy food hug. It’s essentially a layer of savory ground meat (traditionally lamb, hence the “shepherd”), but we’re not using any other meat. Using beef for ease and affordability), mixed with veggies in a rich gravy, all blanketed under styrofoam. Cloud of fluffy mashed potatoes. What is a classic comfort food recipe? For make-ahead ease, perfect for those early days.postpartumWhen every minute counts, it’s the best day of your life

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love Shepherd’s Pie?Postpartum freezer meals: What are. First off, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking savory, rich, and deeply satisfying. The beef is perfectly seasoned, the veggies add a touch of sweetness, and the mashed potatoes? Oh, they’re creamy, buttery perfection. What I love most is how simple it is to make. The prep is straightforward, and it freezes beautifully. Plus, it’s a major cost-saver. Ground beef and potatoes are budget-friendly staples, and a little goes a long way. This recipe feeds a crowd, or provides several meals for you. And the best part? It’s versatile! You can easily swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. This recipe is similar to my Beef Stew, but a bit more exciting for weeknight dinners and you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the freezer, which is something I love about this recipe.

How do I make Shepherd’s Pie?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to brown Ground Beef with veggies, simmer it in a gravy, and serve it with sour cream? If you like mashed potatoes, top it with a little extra virgin olive oil. Don’t let the steps intimidate you! It’s all pretty easy, especially if you break it down. What is the beauty of this recipe is that you can make the meat filling and the mashed potatoes separately, if you like. Is it safe to freeze them, and then assemble everything right before baking? How do I make my life easier?

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 pound Ground Beef (I like to use lean meat)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups beef broth (low sodium is best)
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potatoes:
* 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup milk (whole milk is preferred for creaminess, but you can use whatever you have)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste

What are the steps in

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

If you’re baking immediately, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For freezer-friendliness, grab an oven-safe dish (9×13 inch is ideal). If you are preparing a freezer, you don’t need to grease it because we want it to stick to the freezer. How do I properly wrap my plastic wrap?

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve warm. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. I always do this step first because softened veggies just meld better into the meat sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to a large skillet and cook, breaking it up with the spoon, until browned. Don’t skip draining grease! What makes a difference in the final flavor? Is it safe to use ground turkey in a leaner recipe?

Step 4: Add Herbs and Flour

Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Then, sprinkle the flour over the beef and veggies and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. How do I make the gravy thicker?

Step 5: Simmer in Broth

Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Where the magic happens! The aroma will fill your kitchen, trust me.

Step 6: Stir in Veggies

Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my food!

Step 7: Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the meat filling is simmering, cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender. Is it tender, about 15-20 minutes? Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Step 8: Mash and Mix

Add the milk and butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I use a hand mixer for extra smooth potatoes, but I also like to use potato masher. Do not overmix, or they can get gluey!

Step 9: Assemble the Pie

If you’re freezing a pie, let the meat filling and mashed potatoes cool completely. Transfer the meat filling to your prepared baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets. Then, wrap the entire dish in foil for extra protection against freezer burn.

Step 10: Baking or Freezing

If baking immediately, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the potatoes are lightly golden brown. If baking from frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed above, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy

Let the Shepherd’s Pie stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy the comfort and deliciousness!

What to Serve It With

This Shepherd’s Pie is pretty much a meal on its own, but a simple side dish can really round things out. For breakfast, I love to pair it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of the pie. For brunch, a fresh fruit salad is a great option. It adds a touch of sweetness and freshness. As a dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is heavenly! The warm pie and cold ice cream are a perfect combination. And for cozy snacks, a crusty bread for dipping in the gravy is always a hit. It’s a family tradition of ours to have crusty bread. Honestly, though, it’s so filling, sometimes I just eat it on its own!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Shepherd’s Pie

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this Shepherd’s Pie even better. I want to teach you to master postpartum freezer meals!

Vegetable Prep: Make sure to chop the vegetables into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Nobody wants crunchy carrots in their Shepherd’s Pie! I find that a uniform dice works best.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overcook the beef. Overcooked beef can be tough and dry. Cook it just until it’s browned and then drain off the excess grease to help you prevent this. Overmixing prevention is key for a tender result.

Potato Perfection: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a naturally buttery flavor and texture. Also, warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes. This helps them incorporate more easily and prevents the potatoes from getting cold.

Herb Heaven: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs. Thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but you could also try adding a pinch of sage or oregano. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs work just fine in this recipe. Remember that you need to use half the amount of dried herbs in order to achieve the right taste.

Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or crumbled tofu instead of ground beef. You can also add different vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. For the mashed potato topping, try using sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower-carb option.

Baking Tips: If the mashed potato topping starts to brown too quickly in the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from burning. Also, make sure the meat filling is heated through before baking. You want it to be bubbly around the edges.

Gravy Greatness: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth until you reach the desired consistency. The perfect gravy makes or breaks this dish, so pay attention!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for making ahead and storing. Here’s how to do it right.

Room Temperature: Cooked Shepherd’s Pie can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent bacterial growth. Cover with foil.

Refrigerator Storage: Cooked Shepherd’s Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. My glass containers are my go-to.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, Shepherd’s Pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed above.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated Shepherd’s Pie, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions for a quick and easy meal. Just make sure to cover it with a paper towel to prevent splattering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the beef broth is also gluten-free (some brands contain hidden gluten). The taste and texture will be almost identical. I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, and it works like a charm.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

That’s totally up to you! I usually peel them because I prefer a smoother mashed potato topping, but leaving the skins on adds extra nutrients and fiber. If you do leave the skins on, just make sure to scrub the potatoes really well before cooking.

Can I add cheese to the mashed potato topping?

Oh, you bet! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese to the mashed potatoes will add a delicious cheesy flavor. Just stir it in after you’ve mashed the potatoes and before you spread them over the meat filling. Yummy!

Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?

Of course! Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb. If you prefer lamb, go for it! Just be aware that ground lamb can be a bit more expensive and have a stronger flavor than ground beef.

What other vegetables can I add?

The possibilities are endless! Mushrooms, peas, green beans, corn, and carrots are all great additions. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. I’ve even added a bit of mashed butternut squash to the filling once, and it added the perfect touch of sweetness!

Final Thoughts

This Shepherd’s Pie is a lifesaver, especially when you’re preparing for a new baby. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make ahead and freeze. What more could you ask for? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other freezer-friendly meals. Happy cooking and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a freezer stocked with delicious, homemade meals!