Name: Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1.5 lb. yellow potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream; ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream; ¼ cup chopped chives, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups diced yellow onion (about 1 large onion); 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 large carrots, peeled and diced); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb. ground lamb; ½ lb. ground beef; 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos; ½ cup dry white wine; ½ cup low-sodium beef stock; 1 ½ cups frozen peas

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is here to steal your heart. This dish takes classic shepherd’s pie ingredients—rich, savory ground lamb and beef mingled with fresh vegetables—then tops it all with a luscious layer of creamy mashed potatoes made with a touch of crème fraîche and chives. Everything cooks right in a single skillet, making the process simpler and cleanup easier, but the flavors remain show-stopping. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and fresh in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black cast iron skillet, there is a mix of cooked ground meat, green peas, and orange carrot cubes scattered evenly throughout. The mixture has a slightly shiny, saucy texture, and bits of tender, cooked onions are visible, adding a light brown color with soft texture. A wooden spoon rests on the right side of the skillet, partly covering the food, with the handle extending out of the skillet. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to hitting those incredible flavor notes that make this dish unforgettable. Each component adds something special—from creamy textures to savory depth and bursts of color that make the dish come alive.

1.5 lb. yellow potatoes: Peeled and diced for a velvety smooth mashed potato topping with natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: To season the potatoes and enhance the overall flavors.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance to the creamy potatoes.
¼ cup unsalted butter: For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth finish in the mash.
½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream: Introduces tangy creaminess, elevating the mashed potatoes.
¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream: Keeps the potatoes luscious and smooth without feeling heavy.
¼ cup chopped chives: Fresh, bright bursts that add color and a mild onion flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: To sauté the veggies and build the aromatic base for the filling.
2 cups diced yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth once softened.
1 cup diced carrots: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of fragrant, savory flavor.
1 lb. ground lamb: Brings a rich, slightly gamey essence central to shepherd’s pie.
½ lb. ground beef: Adds classic savoriness and balances the lamb.
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasons the meat filling perfectly.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Herbal aroma that lifts the entire dish.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor giving the filling depth and slight sweetness.
2 tablespoons coconut aminos: A soy-free alternative adding a subtle umami and slight sweetness.
½ cup dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pan and infuses elegant acidity.
½ cup low-sodium beef stock: Simmers with the filling to keep it moist and flavorful.
1 ½ cups frozen peas: Pops of fresh green color and gentle sweetness.

How to Make Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing those beautiful yellow potatoes. Toss them into a large pot, add enough water to cover by an inch, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender—this usually takes about 12 to 14 minutes. The goal is potatoes so soft you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once done, drain, then use a ricer for extra smoothness or mash by hand. Mix in salt, pepper, butter, crème fraîche, milk, and chives gently. The key here is to keep the mash creamy but not overworked, preserving a luscious texture.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling

While your potatoes boil, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and garlic, stirring occasionally until they soften and develop a sweet aroma, which usually takes 7 to 9 minutes. Next, add the ground lamb and beef, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon, and cook until nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Carefully drain any excess grease before returning the skillet to the stove. Stir in salt, thyme, and tomato paste, cooking for a minute to deepen those rich flavors.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Filling

Pour in the coconut aminos and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all the savory browned bits—this adds incredible flavor complexity. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2 minutes, before adding the beef stock and frozen peas. Stir gently and simmer for another 2 minutes, just enough for the flavors to marry and the peas to heat through. Then, turn off the heat and get ready to assemble.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the rich meat filling evenly in your skillet, then dollop the creamy mashed potatoes on top. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the potatoes out into an even layer. Pop the skillet on the middle rack of the oven preheated to 400°F, and bake for 27 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes have a slight golden crust and the filling bubbles enticingly at the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors settle and makes the pie easier to serve without losing any of that wonderful filling. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives for color and an extra hint of fresh onion goodness, then dig in!

How to Serve Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

The image shows three speckled gray bowls filled with layered shepherd's pie on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a base layer of cooked ground meat mixed with peas and small orange carrot pieces, with a rough texture and rich brown color. On top is a smooth layer of mashed potatoes, cream colored with some browned and slightly crispy edges. The mashed potatoes have melted cheddar cheese patches, glowing golden yellow. The dish is garnished with small pieces of chopped green chives scattered over the top and around the bowls. One bowl has a silver fork resting inside, and a small white bowl with extra chopped chives sits nearby. A soft, rust-colored cloth is placed to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped chives adds a pop of color and a mild onion bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes and rich meat. You can also consider a few sprigs of thyme for a rustic, fragrant finish, or even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added sheen and richness.

Side Dishes

Although the Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette offers a delightful contrast. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans with lemon zest would also complement the meal nicely by adding fresh, bright flavors and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. You can also add a decorative fork pattern or scalloped edges to the mashed potato topping before baking to elevate the presentation. For a more rustic vibe, scatter some crispy fried shallots or parmesan crisps on top just before serving for an added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Transfer any unused portions into airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent flavors from mingling with other foods. This makes for an easy and satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well, too. For best results, assemble the pie but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen—just add a little extra time so it heats through evenly.

Reheating

To bring leftover Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. Microwaving works for a quick fix, but oven reheating ensures the potatoes regain a nice texture and the filling stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use just ground beef instead of lamb and beef?

Absolutely! Using only ground beef will still deliver a delicious and hearty Shepherd’s Pie, though you’ll miss the slightly gamey richness lamb provides. Feel free to experiment based on what you have or prefer.

What is the purpose of using coconut aminos?

Coconut aminos add a mild, sweet, and salty umami flavor, similar to soy sauce but soy-free. It enhances the savory depth without overpowering the delicate lamb and beef mixture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace crème fraîche with a dairy-free sour cream or coconut yogurt. Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat to keep the mashed potatoes creamy without dairy.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the filling?

White wine adds acidity and complexity that brighten the meat filling, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with extra beef stock and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect.

How can I ensure the mashed potatoes are extra creamy?

Using a potato ricer helps achieve a silky smooth texture by preventing lumps. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the butter and cream to keep the potatoes light and fluffy rather than gluey.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Skillet Shepherd’s Pie Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal. Its rich meat filling, fresh veggies, and dreamy mashed potato topping create a dish that invites sharing and savoring every bite. I hope you dive in with excitement and make this your go-to comfort food on chilly evenings or whenever you crave a dish that feels like home. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will thank you endlessly.