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Traditional Shepherd’s Pie

Name: Traditional Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 bacon strips, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained; 5-1/2 cups hot mashed potatoes (prepared without milk and butter); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Additional butter, melted

7 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: May. 23, 2023

Instead of a pastry crust, this traditional shepherd's pie creates a savory crust with mashed potatoes. The bacon adds a fabulous flavor to the filling! Just add a tossed salad or green vegetable and dessert, and you'll have a complete meal that's sure to please your family. —Chris Eschweiler, Dallas, Texas

Traditional Shepherd's Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
3 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained
5-1/2 cups hot mashed potatoes (prepared without milk and butter)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, cook bacon, onion, garlic and oregano until bacon is crisp; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, olives and beef. Simmer, uncovered, until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine mashed potatoes, eggs, butter, cilantro and salt. Spread half of the potato mixture onto the bottom and up the side of a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Layer with the beef mixture and remaining potato mixture.
Bake 20 minutes. Brush pie with melted butter. Bake until top is golden brown, about 10 minutes longer. If desired, garnish with additional cilantro.

Traditional Shepherd's Pie Tips

Can you use leftover mashed potatoes to make traditional shepherd's pie?

Yes, you can use leftover mashed potatoes to make shepherd's pie. Just keep in mind that if your leftover mashed potatoes already have butter and salt in them, it's not necessary to add more. (Got more leftover mashed potatoes? Try these recipes.)

What else can you add to traditional shepherd's pie?

Shepherd's pie can be easily adjusted or customized to your preference! Use ground lamb instead of beef, and add other vegetables if you so choose. Stir in frozen veggies, such as peas, carrots, green beans or corn alongside the tomato sauce.

What can you serve with traditional shepherd's pie?

Shepherd's pie is a rich, meaty dish, so we recommend pairing it with a green salad, roasted vegetables and some dinner rolls. Apple Walnut Salad and Rosemary Root Vegetables make the perfect accompaniment.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Associate Food Stylist

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 288 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.