BBQ Shepherd’s Pie is built for winter game day hosting—when the crowd is hungry, the weather calls for comfort, and the grill stays busy long after kickoff. This cold-weather favorite brings together slow-smoked flavor and familiar comfort, turning leftover barbecue into something worthy of the center of the table. Designed for relaxed gatherings and long afternoons outdoors, this dish proves that great grilling doesn’t end when the temperatures drop.

At its heart, BBQ Shepherd’s Pie is about using what you already have and giving it new life. Leftover smoked brisket from a previous cook becomes the foundation, layered with depth, warmth, and richness. The smoke that once perfumed the patio now carries through every bite, balanced by savory notes that feel right at home on a winter menu. Instead of reheating yesterday’s meal, this recipe invites you to build something entirely new—without wasting a single slice.

This is the kind of dish that fits the excitement of game day. It can be prepared ahead, finished on the grill, and served straight from the pan while the action continues. Guests help themselves between plays. Conversations stretch past halftime. Plates come back for seconds. Everything about this recipe supports the easy flow of hosting, keeping you outside where the fire, food, and company belong.

For more food inspiration, follow our Brand Ambassador, Johan Magnusson of Big Swede BBQ, on social media, and explore his award-winning rubs and cookbook available at BigSwedeBBQ.com. His approach celebrates smoke, balance, and dishes meant to be shared—values that align naturally with life around the grill.

Whether you’re hosting friends for a playoff matchup or looking for a new way to enjoy leftover brisket or any other meat, BBQ Shepherd’s Pie keeps winter grilling grounded, satisfying, and unmistakably outdoor—just the way Summerset Grills believes it should be.

BBQ Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

  • 7 slices of Smoked Brisket
  • 1 1/2 lbs Russet Potatoes
  • 4 Tbs Butter
  • 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
  • 1 Tbs grated Horseradish
  • 1/2 cup Chives sliced thin
  • 2 Tbs Canola Oil
  • 3 Carrots cubed
  • 2 cups of Sweet Peas
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, cubed
  • 1 cup of BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup of Beef gravy
  • Salt
  • Pepper

BBQ Shepherd’s Pie Directions

  1. Start by cutting the onion and the carrots into the same-sized cubes. The smaller you make them, the better they will mix in the pie. Try to make them the same size as the peas.
  2. Chop the brisket into small cubes as well. If the brisket has a good texture when you smoke it, it will come apart very easily during the cook. If the brisket is tough, you should pre-cook it until it is tender. Slice the chives and set them aside for later use.
  3. ​Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover, and bring to a boil. Mix the grated cheese and horseradish and set aside. Once boiling, uncover, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, about 10 to 15 minutes. Place the butter in a microwave-safe container and heat until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes, then add the butter, salt, and pepper, and the cheddar/horseradish mix, and continue mashing until smooth.
  4. ​While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil in a pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots, and sauté just until they begin to take on color, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the BBQ Sauce and the Beef gravy, stirring to combine. Add the brisket, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Finally, add the green peas and cook until hot.
  5. Butter an ovenproof baking dish and ​spread the brisket mix evenly on the bottom. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up, and smooth with a rubber spatula. Set in the oven on broil.
  6. Broil on high until browned. Sprinkle chives on top. Serve immediately. As I said, it’s a very easy but delicious dish to put together. If you like, you can also add some garlic, corn, or bell peppers. Start experimenting – soon you will have your own favorite mix. Until then, enjoy mine!! Bon Appétit! 

From Brand Ambassador, Johan Magnusson of BigSwedeBBQ.com