This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a great frugal weeknight dinner idea! It’s also versatile and is a great way to clean out your fridge, use up your leftovers, and fill up your family without breaking the bank!
Recipe created by my sister, Brigette.
If you’re on the lookout for frugal, simple, fill-you-up kinds of recipes, this one is for you!
With only a few ingredients, it couldn’t be any simpler! It’s also my 15-year-old son’s most requested meal (so that tells you how good it is!).
Ingredients for Easy Shepherd’s Pie
NOTE: The measurements are very “loose” for this recipe — use what you have on hand and don’t worry about exact measurements.
- 1-2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- 2 cans (10.75 oz. each) condensed tomato soup, undiluted (or homemade condensed tomato soup)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) green beans (or another veggie), drained
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes* (here’s an easy mashed potato recipe)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
*Anytime I make mashed potatoes, I purposefully prepare lots of extras so we have enough to make this recipe the next day.
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Substitutions:
Shepherd’s Pie is extremely versatile — feel free to customize it to your own preferences or even use up whatever leftovers you have in the house!
Here are some substitution ideas or ways to change up the flavor:
- Add in more veggies (a can of corn, leftover cooked carrots, or steamed veggies) for a little extra flavor and color variety.
- Bulk it up by adding more mashed potatoes to the top — a great way to feed those hungry teens.
- Use brown gravy (preferably beef) in place of the tomato soup for a beefier flavor.
- Add in sautéd or caramelized onions for a big flavor boost.
- Mix up the cheese (fresh parmesan is fantastic!).
- Sprinkle a little parsley or chives (fresh or dried) on top of the potatoes and cheese.
How to Make This Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Spread cooked ground beef in a large baking dish (9″x13″ pan, Dutch oven, cast iron pan, etc.).
3. Pour both cans of soup over meat (you could also use beef gravy).
4. Pour cans of drained veggies over soup and meat.
5. Top with already-prepared or boxed mashed potatoes.
6. Sprinkle grated cheese over potatoes.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs ground beef (browned and drained)
- 21.5 ounces condensed tomato soup (condensed tomato soup, undiluted)
- 29 ounces canned green beans (or another veggie, drained)
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers or instant)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- Spread cooked ground beef in a large baking dish (9″x13″ pan, Dutch oven, cast iron pan, etc.)
- Pour both cans of soup over meat (you could also use beef gravy).
- Pour cans of drained veggies over soup and meat.
- Topped with already prepared mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over potatoes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
Notes
- Use pulled pork or leftover roast in place of the ground beef for a “fancier” meal.
- Add in more veggies (a can of corn, leftover cooked carrots, or steamed veggies) for a little extra flavor and color variety.
- Bulk it up by adding more mashed potatoes to the top — a great way to feed those hungry teens.
- Use brown gravy (preferably beef) in place of the tomato soup for a beefier flavor.
- Add in sautéd or caramelized onions for a big flavor boost.
- Mix up the cheese (fresh parmesan is fantastic!)
- Sprinkle a little Parley or Chives (fresh or dried) on top of the potatoes and cheese.
Nutrition
Love this recipe?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
What are your favorite go-to frugal meals?
Routines/schedules: Do they serve you or enslave you?
Well, we recorded this episode at the latest time we’ve ever recorded a podcast episode — past 10 p.m.! We found a window of time to record this before our family trip to Missouri to pick up Silas from camp followed by his big baseball tournament in Mississippi and so we jumped on it, even though it was late at night!
Jesse has been getting up at 6:00 a.m. to hit the CrossFit gym again, which has been a fantastic start to his days, although it certainly makes 10 p.m. feel like midnight! 🙂
In a recent episode, Jesse and I discussed our goals for the summer, and I am thrilled to share that I’m making some great progress, especially with tracking everything on the Strides app! For the first time, my goal of spending 1,000 hours outside this year is in the green (summer and baseball make it much easier to be outdoors more!)
I am also on track with my reading goal and am aiming to finish fifty books by the end of the summer, I have already finished almost ten, and it’s only June! (Plus, my annual goal is seventy-five, so if I actually finish 50 this summer, I’ll be well ahead of schedule!)
Jesse and I also discuss how our slowed-down summer theme has allowed us more family movie nights. We watched The Boys in the Boat, a beautifully crafted film based on true events, and The Challenger: The Final Flight, a riveting documentary on Netflix about the 1986 Challenger disaster. I vaguely remember the tragedy from my childhood but learned a lot that I don’t remember about the events surrounding it since I was so young.
We also discuss something that resonated with me this summer – whether our routines and goals serve us or enslave us. For example, running 100 miles this summer has been a positive challenge for me. It’s a time for prayer, thinking, and even playing brain games like Connections from The New York Times while I run. It’s been beneficial rather than burdensome as it might be for some others. Asking ourselves as we create routines or set goals: “Will this serve us or enslave us?” Can be a really insightful question!
Powered by RedCircle
In This Episode
[0:36] – This is the latest that we’ve ever recorded an episode – it’s after 10 p.m.!
[1:44] – Jesse’s morning routine of starting with a cold shower and workout significantly impacts his day.
[3:36] – I am excited that my summer goals are progressing well, with significant improvement in outdoor hours!
[4:41] – An update on how I’m doing on my reading goals for the summer.
[5:45] – We have enjoyed films like The Boys in the Boat and Challenger: The Final Flight this summer.
[8:44] – I reflect on how watching Challenger: The Final Flight revealed surprising details and life lessons about decision-making.
[11:31] – A listener thanks us for introducing Ruta Sepetys’ books and recommends A Higher Call.
[12:54] – I recently finished Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots by Mary Marantz which resonated with my journey of confronting perfectionism.
[15:53] – A friend inspired me with her unscheduled summer approach, although I do need a routine to slow down.
[17:24] – Do your routines serve you or enslave you?
[19:09] – I’ve been enjoying playing the Connections game during my runs because it keeps my mind engaged.
[20:41] – I personally cherish my time running, when I pray and think freely; it’s liberating to me, not confining.
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Strides app
Stacy Myers’ Instagram Page
Connections – Word Game
Films
The Boys in the Boat (Amazon Prime)
Challenger: The Final Flight (Netflix)
Books
Ruta Sepetys (author page)
A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II by Adam Makos & Larry Alexander
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Crystal Paine on Twitter
Crystal Paine on Goodreads
Money Saving Mom
Money Saving Mom on Facebook
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
[email protected]
Lowe’s Outdoor Living Deals: Style Selections Wood Frame Rocking Chair only $79, plus more!
Lowe’s Outdoor Living Deals: Style Selections Wood Frame Rocking Chair only $79, plus more!
Check out these great outdoor living deals at Lowes!
Lowe’s is offering great savings on patio furniture, area rugs, lighting, and more!
Here are a few deals we spotted…
Get this Style Selections Wood Frame Rocking Chair with Slat Seat for only $79 (regularly $149)! Available with a Fleur De Lys cut-out here.
Get this Style Selections Lola Wicker Outdoor Loveseat Steel Frame for only $99 (regularly $139)!
Get this Nuu Garden Outdoor Chaise Lounge for only $69.06 (regularly $169)!
Get this Origin 21 Veda Springs 4-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set for only $499 (regularly $998)!
Get this Origin 21 Brennfield Woven Teak Steel Frame Stationary Egg Chair for only $349 (regularly $698)! Available in four colors.
Get this Origin 21 Sarasota Key 3-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set for only $298!
Get this Allen + Roth with STAINMASTER Indy Fringe Performance 5 X 7 Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug for only $59.97 (regularly $98.98)
Get this Allen + Roth 2 X 3 Indoor/Outdoor Floral/Botanical Throw Rug for only $12.42 (regularly $24.98)! See more styles here.
Get this Honeywell 48-ft Plug-in Black Indoor/Outdoor String Light for only $27.63 (regularly $71.17)!
Get this Westinghouse 19-ft Solar White Indoor/Outdoor String Light for only $19.60 (regularly $27.99)!
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Or free delivery is included select items.
Valid for a limited time only.
Shop all the Lowe’s Patio deals here.
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop only $59.49 shipped (Reg. $100!)
This is a really great deal on this PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop!
Amazon has this PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop for just $59.49 shipped right now!
This is the lowest price ever on record.
Gretchen here! I have this mop and love it! We use it on our kitchen and living room floors multiple times a week and it is amazing. My favorite feature is the grout cleaner attachment. This has done a better job cleaning the grout in our tile floors better than anything I’ve ever tried. I highly recommend this mop.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Dumbledore’s Office Castle Toy Set only $64 shipped!
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Dumbledore’s Office Castle Toy Set only $64 shipped!
This is a great price drop on this LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Dumbledore’s Office Castle Toy Set!
Amazon has this LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Dumbledore’s Office Castle Toy Set for only $64 shipped!
This is a rare price drop on this LEGO set.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
Ozark Trail Lil’ Traveler Kids 7″ Air Mattress with Armrests only $13.98!
Ozark Trail Lil’ Traveler Kids 7″ Air Mattress with Armrests only $13.98!
This is a great deal on this Ozark Trail Lil’ Traveler Kids 7″ Air Mattress with Armrests!
Walmart has this Ozark Trail Lil’ Traveler Kids 7″ Air Mattress with Armrests for just $13.98 right now!
This is regularly $24.96 and has great reviews. Perfect for camping, travel, sleepovers, and more.
Choose free in-store pickup. Or shipping is free on orders over $35 (or sign up with Walmart+ to get free shipping on all orders, no minimum!).
Women’s Summer Bohemian Flowy Dresses as low as $22.54!
Looking for a cute dress on a budget? Check out this deal!
This popular deal is back! Amazon has these Women’s Summer Bohemian Flowy Dresses for as low as $22.54 when you save an extra 45% off at checkout!
I got this dress earlier this year and love it so much! It’s so comfortable and versatile! You could wear it with a jean jacket or wear a sweater over it to make look like a skirt and sweater. Also, Kaitlynn told me I have now fully embraced my Ma Ingalls era, but she also said it was very cute and wondered if she could borrow it. So I took that as a high compliment!
There are SO many different colors available in sizes S to XXL and it fits true to size. I’m wearing a size small and am 5’ 3”.
I loved it so much that I ordered the solid light purple with flutter sleeves style and can’t wait to get it!
The final price depends on which color you choose.
Valid through June 20, 2024, while supplies last.
Shop all the dresses here.
Corningware French 10-Piece Bakeware Set just $34.99 shipped (Reg. $100!)
Corningware French 10-Piece Bakeware Set just $34.99 shipped (Reg. $100!)
This is a GREAT deal on this Corningware French 10-Piece Bakeware Set!
Macy’s has this Corningware French 10-Piece Bakeware Set for just $34.99 right now! Plus, shipping is free on orders over $25 for rewards members.
This is regularly $100 and a fantastic price!
Valid through June 23, 2024, while supplies last.
Reversible Micromink to Faux-Sherpa Throws only $10.50 (Reg. $35!)
Reversible Micromink to Faux-Sherpa Throws only $10.50 (Reg. $35!)
These Reversible Micromink to Faux-Sherpa Tie-Dye Throws would be great gifts!
Macy’s has these Royal Luxe Reversible Micromink to Faux-Sherpa Tie-Dye Throws for just $10.50!
These are regularly $35 and have amazing reviews. Choose from six colors. Great gift idea!
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. Or shipping is free on order over $25 for rewards members.
JCPenney: Sandals for the family as low as $14.94!
Grab some new sandals during this sale at JCPenney!
JCPenney is having a sale on Sandals for the family and you can get them for just $14.94!
There are lots of styles available.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
Tired of Missing Deals?Join Our Hot Deals List!
Click here to sign up4-Piece Outdoor Textilene Patio Conversation Set only $149.99 shipped (Reg. $330!)
4-Piece Outdoor Textilene Patio Conversation Set only $149.99 shipped (Reg. $330!)
This is a great deal on this 4-Piece Outdoor Textilene Patio Conversation Set!
Amazon has this 4-Piece Outdoor Textilene Patio Conversation Set for just $149.99 shipped right now!
This is available in six colors.
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!
5×7 Photo Magnet only $0.99 at Walgreens + Free In-Store Pickup!
5×7 Photo Magnet only $0.99 at Walgreens + Free In-Store Pickup!
Hurry and score this HOT deal at Walgreens!
Walgreens is offering a 5×7 Photo Magnet for just $0.99 when you log into your photo account and use the promo code MAGNET4U at checkout! Please note that this seems to only be working on a desktop computer and not the app.
Choose free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.
This is valid through June 22, 2024.
Up to 43% off Water Bottles (Hydro Flask, Stanley, Owala, and more!)
Up to 43% off Water Bottles (Hydro Flask, Stanley, Owala, and more!)
Wow! If you need a new water bottle, don’t miss this sale!
Woot! is having a sale on Water Bottles and you can get up to 43% off!
This sale includes brands like Hydro Flask, Stanley, Owala, and more. Great time to grab a new water bottle!
Shipping is free for Prime members.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses only $69.99 shipped (Reg. $168!)
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses only $69.99 shipped (Reg. $168!)
Here’s a GREAT deal on these Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses!
Proozy has these Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses for just $69.99 shipped when you use the promo code PZYBRW-FS at checkout!
These are regularly $168 and such a great deal on this brand.
Valid through June 25, 2024.
Carry On Luggage with Spinner Wheels only $48.99 shipped (Reg. $98!)
Carry On Luggage with Spinner Wheels only $48.99 shipped (Reg. $98!)
Grab a great deal on this carry on luggage!
Need new luggage for your summer travels? Amazon has this Carry On Luggage with Spinner Wheels for just $48.99 shipped when you save an extra 50% off automatically at checkout! (Please note that if the 50% doesn’t come off automatically you can use the promo code 50OMMU2O at checkout.)
This is such a great deal as these are regularly $98!
I have a similar one of these Carry On Luggage Suitcases and have been super impressed by the durability and quality. I highly recommend it if you plan on traveling soon. Mine has held up through multiple flight trips and I love it. You cannot beat this price for this quality!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free two-day shipping (and possibly one-day or same-day shipping!) with no minimum. If you’re not sure Prime is worth it, read this post for some helpful info to help you decide! And don’t forget you can sign up for Swagbucks to earn free gift cards to use on Amazon deals!