Shepherd S Pie Recipe Cottage Pie

For more hearty, home-cooked goodness, try this slow cooker chicken pot pie, Crockpot chicken and dumplings, or beef pot pie!

Homemade Cottage Pie

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite comfort food dinners! Shepherd’s Pie (also known as cottage pie) is one of those recipes that has taken on a lot of forms over the past several decades, and what you put in it probably depends on where you live. Sometimes casseroles like Shepherd’s Pie get a bad rep, but this recipe is loaded with flavor (I like my beef nice and saucy!), and topped with the creamiest mashed potatoes. You’ll forget about every other lackluster casserole you’ve had!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Originally, Shepherd’s Pie was made with ground lamb, but the Americanized version usually swaps the lamb for ground beef (although if you really want, can use lamb instead!). This here is the way we like it: a nice, rich-tasting sauce with ground beef and plenty of vegetables, topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. I know you’ll love it, too!

Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These chopped veggies add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the meat filling. Ground Beef: This is the main protein source in the pie. I used lean ground beef! You can also use ground lamb for a more traditional version. Garlic: For a savory punch of flavor. Tomato Paste: Adds richness and flavor to the meat filling. Worcestershire Sauce: So your Shepherd’s Pie has an extra boost of flavor. Beef Broth: This forms the base of the gravy, adding moisture and flavor. Cornstarch: This helps create a slightly thickened gravy for the filling. Dried Herbs: I used thyme, oregano, and parsley. Salt and Pepper: Add to taste! Frozen Peas: These add pops of sweetness, color, and texture to the Shepherd’s pie filling.

Mashed Potatoes:

Potatoes: Russet or golden potatoes are perfect for mashing due to their high starch content. This creates a creamy texture. Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes. Half and Half: For extra creaminess! Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Fine Herbs Flavor): This soft cheese infuses the mashed potatoes with delicious garlic and herb flavors. Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste.