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Creamy Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

5 from 120 reviews

A hearty and comforting Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie featuring a flavorful ground meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant pumpkin puree, baked to golden perfection. This twist on the classic shepherd’s pie adds a seasonal touch with pumpkin, perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground meat (beef or lamb)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, finely chopped)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add ground meat, cooking and breaking it up until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in mixed vegetables, cooking another 5 minutes until slightly tender. Mix in pumpkin puree, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat and pumpkin filling evenly in a baking dish. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling to form an even layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. For an extra golden top, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  5. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting pumpkin shepherd’s pie warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey for different flavors.
  • Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree; if canned, choose plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or sage for an extra flavor dimension.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Pumpkin shepherd’s pie, pumpkin puree recipe, comfort food, fall dinner, mashed potato topping, ground meat casserole