Pork Shepherd’s Pie

When I had my first child, casseroles were among the best gifts my husband and I received. Meal train ideas like pork shepherd’s pie and other easy freezer meals were the only way we got through those oh-so-sweet and oh-so-exhausting first few weeks as new parents. Between the late nights, feedings and many (many) diaper changes, we really needed those dinners that could just be popped in the oven.

If you’re a fan of classic shepherd’s pie made with lamb—or of cottage pie made with ground beef—then this ground pork shepherd’s pie is guaranteed to be a winner in your house. Like the old-fashioned recipe, it features an ethereal layer of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes. Underneath, though, is a nontraditional, flavor-packed filling of succulent ground pork, tender rice, pork gravy and a menagerie of nutrient-dense vegetables that includes chopped cabbage.

While all shepherd’s pie recipes are considered comfort food, this one is especially filling. Serve it for dinner or portion it into meal prep containers for a week’s worth of hearty lunches that will keep you satisfied and energized.

Pork Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

• Ground pork
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cooked rice
• Pork gravy or chicken broth
• Dried thyme
• Carrot
• Butter
• Cabbage
• Salt and pepper
• Mashed potatoes
• Cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pork

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the pork until it’s no longer pink.

Step 2: Add aromatics, rice, gravy and spices

Add the onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook the mixture until the vegetables are tender, then drain any liquid from the pan. Stir in the rice, gravy, salt and thyme, then spoon the mixture into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the cabbage layer

In the same skillet, saute the carrot and onion in butter over medium heat for five minutes. Stir in the cabbage and cook it for one minute. Add the broth, salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook the cabbage for 10 minutes. Spoon the mixture over the pork layer.

Step 4: Add the mashed potatoes

Spoon or pipe mashed potatoes on top of the cabbage layer. Sprinkle the casserole with cheese.

Step 5: Bake the pork shepherd’s pie

Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 350°F until it’s browned, about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the cabbage layer

In the same skillet, saute the carrot and onion in butter over medium heat for five minutes. Add the chopped cabbage, and cook for one minute. Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish layering the shepherd’s pie

Spoon the cabbage mixture evenly over the pork layer. Then, spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes on top of the cabbage, and sprinkle with cheese.

Step 5: Bake the shepherd’s pie

Bake, uncovered, at 350°F until browned, about 45 minutes.

How to Store Pork Shepherd’s Pie

Store pork shepherd’s pie in an airtight food storage container and refrigerate it for up to four days. Alternatively, you can cover the baking dish tightly with storage wrap.

How do you reheat ground pork shepherd’s pie?

To reheat shepherd’s pie, warm the leftovers in a 350° oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°. You can also microwave individual portions until they are heated through.

Can you freeze ground pork shepherd’s pie?

Like many of our make-ahead casserole recipes, ground pork shepherd’s pie can be frozen for up to three months. Prepare the recipe as directed and allow the casserole to cool fully. Wrap the baking dish tightly with storage wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty foil. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it as directed.

Pork Shepherd’s Pie Tips

What other vegetables go in pork shepherd’s pie?

If you’re looking to add vegetables to ground pork shepherd’s pie, try cooking 1 cup of sliced cremini or white mushrooms with the cabbage. Or, toss in 1 cup of frozen peas for a more traditional take.

Can you make pork shepherd’s pie without potatoes?

For a low-carb shepherd’s pie without mashed potatoes, substitute mashed cauliflower for the mashed potatoes. Bake the pork shepherd’s pie as directed.

What can you serve with pork shepherd’s pie?

Pork shepherd’s pie is an all-in-one meal that doesn’t really need accompaniments. However, a garden salad is a nice offering to help balance the rib-sticking nature of this homestyle meal. A basket of fresh dinner rolls or buttermilk biscuits is another welcome addition when shepherd’s pie is on the menu.