Shepherd's Pie

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

2-3
  • 2-3
  • 4-6

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 700w
700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

4-Cup Glass Round Shallow Dish

Ingredients

For the mashed potatoes:


  • 2-3 (340g) medium potatoes, washed and peeled, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk or half-and-half
  • salt and black pepper, to taste


For the filling:


  • 3 oz (95g) lean ground beef
  • 3 oz (95g) ground lamb
  • ½ cup (60g) shredded carrot
  • ¼ cup (55ml) beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Make the mashed potatoes: Place the potato pieces in an Anyday Deep Dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Microwave for 9-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Add the milk or half-and-half, salt, and pepper to the hot potatoes. Mash until smooth using a fork, potato masher, or immersion blender. Cover and set aside.
  4. Make the filling: In an Anyday Shallow Dish, combine the ground beef and lamb, shredded carrots, beef stock, tomato paste, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  5. Microwave for 6 minutes, stirring vigorously halfway through, until the meat is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the dish, then top with the reserved mashed potatoes, smoothing them over the filling.
  7. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or brown the top in the oven (uncovered) at 500°F for 3–5 minutes, if desired.

Suggestions

  • Sweet potato twist: Swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique and slightly sweeter variation.
  • Veggie boost: Add thawed peas into the filling for an extra serving of veggies and a pop of color. Discover more veggie recipes by exploring our collection here!
  • Lighter option: For a leaner pie, substitute one of the meats with ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
  • Mushroom filling: Replace the meat or tofu with finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, savory filling. Consider using a mix of cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms for a rich, umami-packed base. 
  • Discover more mushroom recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • Cook the meat filling ahead of time and freeze until needed.
  • You can brown the potato topping (uncovered) in the oven at 500°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Shepherd’s Pie in the Microwave

What is Shepherd's Pie?

Shepherd's Pie is a classic British comfort food made with a savory meat filling topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Traditionally made with ground lamb, modern variations often include beef or a combination of the two for added flavor and heartiness.

Can I make Shepherd's Pie in the microwave?

Yes, this recipe was developed for the microwave! Using Anyday dishes saves significant time—cooking the mashed potato topping and meat filling in the microwave saves time compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods. It also reduces the number of dishes needed, simplifying cleanup for a quick and efficient way to prepare this comforting dish.

How long can I store Shepherd's Pie in the fridge?

Shepherd's Pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an Anyday dish. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it with the Anyday lid and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Can I freeze Shepherd's Pie?

Yes, Shepherd's Pie freezes very well! You can freeze directly in the Anyday dish for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, reheat the dish straight from frozen in the microwave for a convenient and comforting meal.

What’s the best way to reheat Shepherd's Pie?

To reheat from the fridge, cover the dish with the lid and microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the meat filling is heated evenly. To reheat from frozen, microwave on full power for 4-8 minutes, depending on the portion size. For more tips on freezing and reheating, check out our blog.

Can I make Shepherd's Pie dairy-free?

Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with plant-based options like vegan butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, or even vegetable stock for a creamy and dairy-free alternative.

Can I make Shepherd's Pie vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace the ground beef and lamb with plant-based ground meat or a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and diced vegetables. This provides a hearty and flavorful vegetarian-friendly version. Discover more vegetarian recipes by exploring our collection here!

How can I brown the potato topping?

For a crispy, browned topping, transfer the cooked Shepherd's Pie to a 500°F (260°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy. For extra flavor, brush the top with melted butter before browning.

What Customers Are Saying