dinner

Shepherd’s Pie (Wagyu Beef)

A rich and comforting beef shepherd’s pie made with ground Wagyu beef, sautéed vegetables, and a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. The higher fat content of Wagyu creates an exceptionally flavorful, silky filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery potato topping.

Total Time: 55 min

Ingredients

Beef Filling
  • 1 lb ground Wagyu beef
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 3/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Mashed Potato Topping
  • 1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup milk or cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Wagyu Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground Wagyu beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Because Wagyu is higher in fat, drain excess grease if needed, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons for flavor.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
  7. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5–8 minutes until thickened into a rich gravy.
  8. Stir in peas, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat.
  9. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
  10. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the surface. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using.
  11. Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden crust.
  12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Wagyu beef renders more fat than standard ground beef—drain some but leave a little for flavor.
  • For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine when adding the broth.
  • Corn or mushrooms can be added to the filling for variation.
  • Pairs exceptionally well with cornbread, especially Duke’s mayonnaise cornbread.

Tags

comfort food beef wagyu casserole one-dish meal classic