Easy 5-Ingredient Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a great frugal weeknight dinner idea! It’s also versatile and is a great way to clean out your fridge, use up your leftovers, and fill up your family without breaking the bank!

Recipe created by my sister, Brigette.

If you’re on the lookout for frugal, simple, fill-you-up kinds of recipesthis one is for you!

With only a few ingredients, it couldn’t be any simpler! It’s also my 15-year-old son’s most requested meal (so that tells you how good it is!).

Ingredients for Easy Shepherd’s Pie

NOTE: The measurements are very “loose” for this recipe — use what you have on hand and don’t worry about exact measurements.

• 1-2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cans (10.75 oz. each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted (or homemade condensed tomato soup)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) green beans (or another veggie), drained
• 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes* (here’s an easy mashed potato recipe)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

*Anytime I make mashed potatoes, I purposefully prepare lots of extras so we have enough to make this recipe the next day.

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Substitutions:

Shepherd’s Pie is extremely versatile — feel free to customize it to your own preferences or even use up whatever leftovers you have in the house!

Here are some substitution ideas or ways to change up the flavor:

• Add in more veggies (a can of corn, leftover cooked carrots, or steamed veggies) for a little extra flavor and color variety.
• Bulk it up by adding more mashed potatoes to the top — a great way to feed those hungry teens.
• Use brown gravy (preferably beef) in place of the tomato soup for a beefier flavor.
• Add in sautéd or caramelized onions for a big flavor boost.
• Mix up the cheese (fresh parmesan is fantastic!).
• Sprinkle a little parsley or chives (fresh or dried) on top of the potatoes and cheese.

How to Make This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.

2. Spread cooked ground beef in a large baking dish (9″x13″ pan, Dutch oven, cast iron pan, etc.).

3. Pour both cans of soup over meat (you could also use beef gravy).

4. Pour cans of drained veggies over soup and meat.

5. Top with already-prepared or boxed mashed potatoes.

6. Sprinkle grated cheese over potatoes.

7. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.

What are your favorite go-to frugal meals?