If you’re after a warm, hearty dinner that’s full of flavour but low on fuss, this Easy and Quick Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect recipe. It’s a comforting meal for any night of the week, made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry.
This version is a little different from the traditional shepherd’s pie, instead of slow-simmered sauces, it gets its delicious, rich flavour from a shortcut combo of BBQ sauce and tomato sauce. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for when you want something homemade, but don’t want to overthink it.
Whether you’re a busy parent, someone just learning to cook, or you simply don’t enjoy complicated recipes, this is a great one to keep in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare – on the table in about 35 minutes
Beginner-friendly – ideal for teens, new cooks, or anyone who prefers straightforward meals
Comforting and filling – the whole family will enjoy it
Budget-friendly – made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients
You’ll also find this recipe in my Hearty Dinners Cookbook, a collection of simple, satisfying meals the whole family will love. Just like this shepherd’s pie, every recipe is designed to be easy to follow, made with everyday ingredients and full of flavour. Whether you’re cooking for a busy household or just want comforting meals without the fuss, this cookbook has plenty of inspiration to make dinnertime feel a little easier and a lot more delicious.
Quick Shepherd’s Pie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1kg lamb mince
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 5 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the potatoes:
- Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil.
- Add potatoes and cook for 15 minutes or until soft.
- Drain well. Return to the saucepan and heat for 1 minute to remove excess moisture.
- Mash with milk and butter. Season to taste.
2. Prepare the filling:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add lamb mince and cook for 5 minutes or until browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the mince and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add peas, beef stock, BBQ sauce, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, until thickened.
3. Assemble and cook:
- Spoon the mince mixture into a large baking dish (around 4L capacity).
- Dollop mashed potato over the top, then gently spread it out with a fork.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the potato.
- Grill for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 10
Tips & Variations
Swap lamb for beef mince if you prefer
Use pre-made mashed potato to save time
Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the mash for extra flavour
This dish also freezes well – perfect for batch cooking
Save this recipe for those nights when you want something hearty, tasty, and easy. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings all the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the stress.
