Shepherd's Pie with Roasted Garlic and Thyme

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-09 · Updated 2026-05-09

A comforting shepherd's pie featuring tender ground beef and vegetables under a fluffy roasted garlic mashed potato crust. This British-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers ground beef, carrot, onion into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 roasted garlic cloves
• 2 lb, peeled and quartered potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp, divided salt
• 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 2 lb peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1/2 tsp salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Drain and mash with 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 4 roasted garlic cloves until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 medium diced carrot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook for 7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.
4. Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture into a 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon the mashed potato mixture on top, smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 400°F until the top is lightly golden and edges are bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.