This Easy Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish with a twist! It features a delicious pumpkin puree mixed with flavorful veggies and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
This dish is perfect for fall, filling your home with warm aromas. I love it because it’s super simple to make and always impresses family and friends—who doesn’t love a good shepherd’s pie?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef or turkey works well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground chicken or plant-based crumbles can be great substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree. If you don’t have it, sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree can be excellent replacements for a similar texture and flavor.
Vegetables: The recipe calls for diced carrots and frozen peas. Feel free to swap in other veggies like corn, green beans, or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand!
Mash Potatoes: I love using homemade mashed potatoes, but store-bought is a time-saver! For a lighter version, try mashed cauliflower instead—it still offers a creamy texture!
How Do I Get the Mashed Potatoes Perfectly Creamy?
Getting creamy mashed potatoes is all about the right techniques. Here’s how to ensure your mashed potatoes are smooth and flavorful:
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds; they mash beautifully.
- Boil potatoes with the skins on until fork-tender, then peel; this keeps them fluffy.
- Warm your butter and milk before mixing them in; this keeps the potatoes hot and helps them absorb better.
- Don’t over-mix! Stir gently until combined to avoid a gluey texture.
Easy Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need about 40 minutes from kitchen to table. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Veggies:
Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften a bit. Then, add the frozen peas.
5. Mix in Pumpkin Goodness:
Now it’s time for the creamy pumpkin! Stir in the pumpkin puree, tomato paste, broth, thyme, and rosemary. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
6. Assemble the Pie:
Transfer the delicious pumpkin-meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, scoop the prepared mashed potatoes on top, spreading them gently to cover the filling completely.
7. Bake the Pie:
Place your assembled shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mashed potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s comforting and delicious—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy your Easy Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, lamb, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats.
Can I Make This Shepherd’s Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, layer them together and follow the baking instructions. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave individual portions until hot.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the filling by adding other veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces for even cooking!
