What is traditional shepherd's pie made of?
Traditionally, shepherd's pie is made with lamb mince, vegetables and mashed potato. The meat is added to an aromatic combination of softened carrot, onion and celery, known in French cooking as a mirepoix, which is then loosened up with stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and bay leaves to make a tasty gravy. This mixture is then topped with mashed potato and baked to bubbling, golden perfection.
What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie?
Cottage pie is very similar to shepherd’s pie (they're both topped with creamy mashed potatoes) but with one main difference - cottage pie uses beef mince (ground beef) instead of lamb (ground lamb) as its meat mixture. You can swap the lamb for ground beef in this recipe should you wish, or try our cottage pie recipe that’s on the table in 45 minutes.
We use a beef stock (or beef broth) to make shepherd's pie with this recipe (to further flavour the meat mixture), but you can use a homemade beef broth if you're feeling ambitious or have some on hand.
What to eat with shepherd’s pie?
Shepherd’s pie is hearty and filling, so it balances well with vegetable sides like garlicky green beans, balsamic roasted brussel sprouts and minted peas with broccoli. Crusty bread or Irish soda bread also makes for a good side to mop up the delicious gravy. You can serve shepherd's pie as a whole meal (it's a great leftover lunch too), if you like, as it's full of everything you need to complete your meal - protein, carbs and vegies.
How can I thicken my shepherd's pie?
This shepherd's pie recipe uses 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the gravy but if you feel like the meat mixture is too watery, add in another tablespoon and stir to combine. You may also try simmering the mince mixture for longer so that the stock reduces down and thickens. Finally, ensure that you have drained your potatoes well before mashing to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
Can I freeze shepherd’s pie?
Assemble your shepherd's pie filling and mashed potatoes in the baking dish or casserole dish, and allow to cool completely. Cover with cling film and freeze. The shepherd's pie will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, defrost it in the fridge overnight, and then follow recipe instructions for baking your shepherd's pie in the oven.
FAQs
This traditional shepherd's pie recipe is made with a mixture of lamb and sirloin, lots of veggies, and a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping — sure to delight everyone at the table!
What can I use to thicken my shepherd's pie? ›
The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.
How do you keep shepherd's pie from falling apart? ›
How do you keep shepherds pie from falling apart? The eggs in the mashed potatoes help keep the pie together. You should also make sure to spread the potatoes and press down a bit.
Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? ›
Classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies like peas, corn, celery, and carrots. Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? Avoid a soggy pie by simmering the meat mixture for at least 8 minutes. Be sure to cook down the mixture to remove excess moisture.
Why does shepherds pie not have a crust? ›
Simply put, after making a weekend roast, unused meat was repurposed into a pie using affordable potatoes as a crust. This frugal, albeit clever, meal suggests the name “cottage pie” referred to the consumers of the dish—poor Irish peasants (remember, they lived in cottages).
What is a shepherds pie called when it is made from beef? ›
The two English terms have been used interchangeably since they came into use in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, although some writers insist that a shepherd's pie should contain lamb or mutton, and a cottage pie, beef.
How to stop mash sinking in shepherd's pie? ›
To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one. For a really crisp, golden topping, flash under the grill for a few mins before serving.
Why is my shepherd's pie so runny? ›
Why is my shepherd's pie runny? Generally, this is caused by using too much stock.
How long does homemade shepherd's pie last? ›
Freshly baked shepherd's pie will keep for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge; refrigerate covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
How to tell if shepherd's pie is cooked? ›
If you are cooking it from the fridge it will take 15-20 minutes longer to heat. To test if it is ready, put a fork in the middle of the pan and touch the fork after you pull it out to feel that the metal is hot (and therefore the meat is hot). I let the pie sit for 10-15 minutes before serving as it.
Why is my Shepherd's Pie soupy? If your casserole is too runny, chances are you either didn't add enough flour to thicken the gravy or you didn't simmer it long enough to reduce the liquid. Also, make sure your potatoes are thoroughly drained before making the mashed potatoes, so the topping is not too sloppy.
How do you reduce salt in shepherd's pie? ›
Add an Acidic Ingredient
It won't reduce the sodium level of your dish, but adding an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or even a tomato product, can neutralize the saltiness of a dish. Start with a dash or a squeeze, stir well to combine, and give it a taste before adding any more.
What is shepherd's pie made of in England? ›
“Shepherd's pie” and “cottage pie” are used interchangeably, but technically traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb and traditional cottage pie is made with ground beef.
What ingredients does shepherd's pie a traditional Irish dish contain? ›
I never shy away from the excuse to celebrate anything Irish. What's not to love about shepherd's pie? It's got ground beef, or lamb, with mushrooms, onion, corn, peas and carrots cooked in a delicious gravy sauce that's topped with a mashed potato crust that's baked in the oven.
Is shepherd's pie made from beef or lamb? ›
Shepherd's Pie is the sort of food that brings a smile to everyone's face! That saucy, deeply flavourful filling, that creamy potato topping, and that awesome golden cheese crust.… While Shepherd's Pie is traditionally made with lamb, beef is just as tasty in this recipe.
Is shepherds pie Irish or British food? ›
The dish originates from the British Isles, but some might argue that it is an Irish dish by origin. The name "Shepherd's Pie" was first recorded in an 1877 cookbook. In this same cookbook, it was noted that the dish was of Scottish origin. During the period between the 18th and 19th centuries, money was very tight.
