To many, shepherd's pie is nostalgic, a dish that looks fancy with browned mashed potatoes on top resembling meringue that yields to a rich vegetable filling often moistened with a light gravy. Although "real" shepherd's pie is made only with lamb, ground beef is more commonly used and properly called cottage pie. Either way, it gained popularity as an economical, creative way to use leftovers and was typically a family favorite.
While some follow Mom's recipe to a T, others have waxed creative. Sweet potatoes or cauliflower replace russet potatoes, and turkey is used in place of traditional ground beef or beef cubes. Regardless of the variations, shepherd's pie remains high on the list of America's most beloved comfort foods.
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How to make classic shepherd's pie
Ground lamb is essential to make classic shepherd's pie. The filling includes russet potatoes, onions, carrots, and corn; a teaspoon of dried thyme leaves adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dish. For an extra crispy topping, run the casserole under the broiler right before serving. Get the recipe here.
Ground lamb is essential to make classic shepherd's pie. The filling includes russet potatoes, onions, carrots, and corn; a teaspoon of dried thyme leaves adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dish. For an extra crispy topping, run the casserole under the broiler right before serving. Get the recipe here.
How to make sweet potato shepherd's pie
Sweet potatoes have enjoyed a new appreciation over the years as their nutrient and health benefits have come to light. Topping a mixture of lamb, carrots, garlic, onions, and peas, the mashed sweet potatoes' natural flavor shines. The addition of chili powder and thyme adds a bit of oomph to the dish, along with making the taste of the lamb more pronounced. Get the recipe here.
Sweet potatoes have enjoyed a new appreciation over the years as their nutrient and health benefits have come to light. Topping a mixture of lamb, carrots, garlic, onions, and peas, the mashed sweet potatoes' natural flavor shines. The addition of chili powder and thyme adds a bit of oomph to the dish, along with making the taste of the lamb more pronounced. Get the recipe here.
How to make scalloped potato shepherd's pie
If you're looking for an upscale version of shepherd's pie, this is the recipe for you. Instead of a mashed potato topping, layers of rich, creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes cover the filling. And what a filling—onions, carrots, peas, celery, and ground beef doused with a worcestershire spiked beef broth gravy! This version is more labor-intensive than most others but well worth the time and effort. Get the recipe here.
If you're looking for an upscale version of shepherd's pie, this is the recipe for you. Instead of a mashed potato topping, layers of rich, creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes cover the filling. And what a filling—onions, carrots, peas, celery, and ground beef doused with a worcestershire spiked beef broth gravy! This version is more labor-intensive than most others but well worth the time and effort. Get the recipe here.
How to make turkey shepherd's pie
Replacing the ground beef or lamb with ground turkey makes a slightly healthier shepherd's pie but with the mashed potato topping, it's not for calorie or carb counters. A bit of tomato paste and additions of thyme, paprika, and nutmeg give the filling an appealing flavor profile. Leaving skins on the mashed potatoes ups the fiber and nutrient content of the dish. Get the recipe here.
Replacing the ground beef or lamb with ground turkey makes a slightly healthier shepherd's pie but with the mashed potato topping, it's not for calorie or carb counters. A bit of tomato paste and additions of thyme, paprika, and nutmeg give the filling an appealing flavor profile. Leaving skins on the mashed potatoes ups the fiber and nutrient content of the dish. Get the recipe here.
How to make cauliflower shepherd's pie
Cauliflower is ubiquitous in today's recipes, hailed as a healthy substitute for potatoes and even pizza crust. This shepherd's pie is topped with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes and you can add a pat of butter to the topping for extra richness and browning power. It's a great way to use up leftover cauliflower as well as a clever angle to get kids to gobble up a healthy cruciferous vegetable. Get the recipe here.
Cauliflower is ubiquitous in today's recipes, hailed as a healthy substitute for potatoes and even pizza crust. This shepherd's pie is topped with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes and you can add a pat of butter to the topping for extra richness and browning power. It's a great way to use up leftover cauliflower as well as a clever angle to get kids to gobble up a healthy cruciferous vegetable. Get the recipe here.
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