Shepherd’s Pie is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavor—but what if you could make it even easier using pantry-friendly ingredients? That’s exactly what I demonstrated on this month’s Cooking with Friends show, and now I’m sharing it with you!
This version of Shepherd’s Pie is made with freeze-dried ingredients that not only make meal prep faster but also ensure you always have everything you need on hand. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a long-term pantry staple, this recipe is a winner.
The History of Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie has deep roots in British and Irish culinary traditions, dating back to the late 1700s. Originally, it was a practical dish created to use up leftover roasted meat, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, making it an economical yet hearty meal for working-class families. The name “Shepherd’s Pie” is typically used when the dish contains lamb, while a variation with beef is often called “Cottage Pie.” Today, it remains a beloved comfort food across the UK and beyond, connecting generations to their ancestral kitchens.
What Makes This Shepherd’s Pie Special?
✅ Quick & Easy – Using freeze-dried ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, and mashed potatoes, this recipe cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
✅ Pantry-Friendly – No last-minute grocery runs! Everything you need can be stored in your pantry for months.
✅ Rich & Flavorful – A savory beef filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese make this dish irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
🥩 1 ½ lbs Ground Beef (or 1 ½ cups Thrive Life freeze-dried ground beef + ¾ cup water)
🧅 1 small Yellow Onion, diced (or ½ cup Thrive Life freeze-dried chopped onion + ¼ cup water)
🥕 ¼ cup Carrots, diced (or ¼ cup Thrive Life dehydrated carrots + ¼ cup water)
🌿 1/3 cup Espagnole Gravy Mix + 2 cups water
🌱 1 cup Peas (or 1 cup Thrive Life freeze-dried peas + 1 cup water)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
🥔 5 cups Mashed Potatoes (or 4 cups Thrive Life freeze-dried mashed potatoes + 5 cups boiling water)
🧈 2 tbsp Butter (or 2 tbsp Thrive Life butter powder)
🥄 2 tbsp Sour Cream (or 2 tbsp Thrive Life sour cream powder)
🧄 1 tsp Garlic Powder
🧂 1 tsp Sea Salt
🧀 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (or 1 cup Thrive Life freeze-dried cheddar cheese + 3 ½ tbsp cold water)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Rehydrate the Cheese – In a small container, mix freeze-dried cheddar cheese with water and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Base – In a large saucepan, add ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, gravy mix, and water. Cook until tender and the mixture reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency.
3️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes – In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and hot water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Dish – Spread the meat mixture evenly into a casserole dish. Then, gently spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth them out. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
5️⃣ Bake & Serve – Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden. Enjoy!
Meal in a Jar Option
Want to make meal prep even easier? Turn this into a Meal in a Jar (MIJ) by layering all dry base ingredients into a 1-quart mason jar. Store for up to 6 months (or longer with vacuum sealing or an oxygen absorber). When ready to cook, simply rehydrate and follow the recipe!
Download and Print Recipe HERE
Other Popular English Dishes to Explore
If you’re looking to connect with your British ancestry through food, here are ten other classic English dishes to try:
- Fish and Chips – Crispy battered fish served with golden fries.
- Beef Wellington – A tender beef fillet wrapped in puff pastry with a mushroom filling.
- Yorkshire Pudding – A fluffy, baked side dish often served with roast beef.
- Bangers and Mash – Sausages served over creamy mashed potatoes with onion gravy.
- Cornish Pasty – A savory hand pie filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
- Full English Breakfast – A hearty breakfast with eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, tomatoes, and toast.
- Toad in the Hole – Sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter.
- Steak and Kidney Pie – A rich and savory pie filled with steak and kidney in gravy.
- Spotted Dick – A traditional steamed pudding with dried fruits, served with custard.
- Ploughman’s Lunch – A simple yet delicious spread of cheese, bread, pickles, and cold meats.
Join Us for More Cooking Fun!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Be sure to join our Cooking with Friends show LIVE on the second Thursday of each month at 2 PM MT! It’s a fun, interactive way to learn new recipes and meal prep hacks.
📅 Next Cooking with Friends Show: Thursday, March 13th at 2 PM MT
🔗 Join live on Zoom: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/4033604361
🔑 Password: ThriveEx
🎁 First-time guests get entered into a food credit giveaway! Bring a friend, and they get entered too!
Stock Your Pantry & Save!
This month, Thrive Life is offering amazing deals, including a special case lot sale to help you stock up on all your freeze-dried favorites. Don’t miss these discounts!
📌 Check out this month’s savings: ThrivingTalk Newsletter – February Specials
Cooking should be simple, nourishing, and stress-free. Whether you make this Shepherd’s Pie for dinner tonight or prep it as a meal-in-a-jar, I hope it brings warmth and joy to your table. Happy cooking! 🍽️💛