Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie)

This classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s full of flavor and the creamy mashed potatoes make it extra delicious!

 Your luck has just struck with my recipe for Shepherd’s Pie. The lovely folks of Ireland knew what they were doing when they created this dish. With flavorful meat and veggies at the bottom of a deep baking pan with a thick layer of mashed potatoes and cheese on top, what’s not to love? There is something for everyone with this dinner! The only thing that could make this meal more authentic than it already is, is if you serve a cold Guinness on the side.

WITH THIS MANY POTATOES, THERE WILL BE NO FAMINE IN YOUR KITCHEN

 As mentioned earlier, there is a little something in this dinner for everyone. For me and my kids It’s the layer of mashed potatoes that tops the dish. Anytime I can incorporate this into one of my recipes, I know my kids will devour their dinner. Me too! For my husband, Kale it’s the base of the dish. Lean ground beef is sauteed with vegetables like peas, carrots, onions, and seasoning to bring out the full flavor. This recipe makes a TON of food as well. It’s also incredibly filling. We usually put at least half of the pan in the refrigerator to serve and eat the next day.

COTTAGE PIE VS. SHEPHERD’S PIE

 There are probably some of you out there wondering what the difference is between the two. Authentic Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally served with lamb. This kind of wildlife was more accessible in Ireland at the time of its origin. If you and your family like the flavor profile of lamb, then I recommend going for it! Here in the Lofthouse we like to substitute ground beef for lamb in the recipe. This style of recipe can be called Cottage Pie. Honestly, if it tastes delicious then I couldn’t care less what dinner is called.

ENJOY THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE A FEW MORE OF MY INTERNATIONAL DINNER FAVORITES!

Szechuan Chicken – Tender bits of chicken sauteed with fresh vegetables in a gourmet teriyaki sauce.

Italian Herb Roasted Chicken – Juicy chicken that has been rubbed in a variety of Italian flavored herbs and spices that is cooked to perfection.

Easy Thai Noodles – Very simple and delicious Asian inspired noodle dish that is great for vegetarians and meat lovers.

Chicken Chimichangas – Fried burritos that are stuffed with flavorful chicken, rice, and beans.

Shepherd’s Pie (aka. Cottage Pie)

This classic Shepherd's Pie will have everyone asking for seconds. The meat mixture is so flavorful and the creamy mashed potatoes and cheese make it extra delicious.

5 from 18 votes

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Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Author: Holly

Ingredients

Potato Layer

• 3 large russet potatoes
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Meat Layer

• 2 pounds ground beef or lamb, turkey
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Potato Layer

• Peel potatoes and chop into small pieces. Place chopped potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. (About 15 – 20 minutes)
• Drain water from pot. Mash the potatoes. Add butter, milk and garlic powder. Continue to mash until no lumps remain. Cover potatoes and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Meat Layer

• In a large 12-inch skillet, over medium-high heat, add ground beef,onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook and crumble meat until browned. Drain grease.
• Sprinkle flour evenly over meat mixture. Stir and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in frozen peas, carrots and corn. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Pour meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Top potatoes evenly with cheddar cheese.
• Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes until casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serves 6 to 8 

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