How To Reheat Homemade Shepherds Pie

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Shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is typically made from ground beef or lamb, savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. Whether it’s a traditional homemade creation or a comforting ready meal, the delicious flavors and hearty warmth of shepherd’s pie are undeniable. However, reheating this yummy dish can be a challenge, often resulting in a loss of flavor or texture. 

What Is Shepherds Pie

Traditional shepherd’s pie is a long time family favorite and I can remember my grandmother always made this meal each week. We are a meat and potato kind of family and what better dish than Shepherd’s pie to satisfy that craving!

Traditionally made with ground lamb, shepherd’s pie features a flavorful filling of minced meat, onions, peas, carrots, and Worcestershire sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. 

Its cousin, cottage pie, substitutes ground beef for the lamb but retains the same comforting essence.

Can You Eat Leftover Shepherd’s Pie?

Got a soft spot for leftovers? We recommend keeping them in the fridge for no more than 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Reheating shepherd’s pie the next day isn’t just about warming it up; it’s about preserving its deliciousness. 

Improper reheating can lead to a soggy crust, dried-out filling, or unevenly heated portions, diminishing the overall dining experience. 

If you ask my dad, the quickest way to reheating shepherd’s pie is in the microwave, but if you are looking for that extra crunch, then the oven is your best bet.

If you haven’t seen our easy shepherd’s pie recipe, it’s the perfect leftover pie!

How Do You Reheat Cold Shepherd’s Pie

Oven

To reheat shepherd’s pie in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 

Place the desired portion in a casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. 

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. 

For a golden brown crust, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Let sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to cool.

Another fun idea is to reheat and serve in an individual sized baking dish, topped with a spoonful of sour cream.

Toaster Oven

For a quick and convenient reheating option, turn to your trusty toaster oven. 

Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the shepherd’s pie on a baking sheet. 

Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed to your liking. 

The toaster oven’s smaller size makes it ideal for reheating individual portions with minimal fuss.

Stovetop

If you’re short on time, the best way to reheat shepherd’s pie on the stovetop. 

Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the desired portion of shepherd’s pie. 

Cover the pan to trap moisture and heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

This method ensures even heating without risking burnt edges.

Air Fryer

I’ve never reheated shepherd’s pie in an air fryer, but apparently, it’s a popular method among enthusiasts for its ability to quickly crisp up the top layer while heating the filling evenly.

Let me know in the comments if you have tried the air fryer method!

Reheating Process: Extras

My mom will often times add additional tomato paste or splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep the filling moist and flavorful. 

Leftover Shepherd’s Pie Ideas

When we make shepherd’s pie, there is often a lot leftover. 

A major advantage of preparing a generous batch of shepherd’s pie is the versatility it offers for easy meal planning throughout the week.

Try repurposing the leftovers into shepherd’s pie stuffed peppers, shepherd’s pie quesadillas, or shepherd’s pie empanadas for a fun and different kind of meal. 

If you love the idea of a cheeseburger version, visit our shepherd’s pie with cheese recipe. Absolutely delicious!

For optimal taste and quality, store any leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and aim to enjoy it within a few days.

Our family loves a good o’l fashioned delicious shepherd’s pie and I’m always looking for creative ways to either reheat or repurpose this meal so please leave any suggestions below in the comment section.