Shepherd's Pie

I think this is a historically an Irish speciality that has evolved into a traditional British food.

Shepherd's Pie is filled with meat (traditionally lamb) and is topped with a mashed potato crust.  The pie can also be topped with melted cheese.


Have you tried Shepherd's Pie?  Do you like it?

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on May 30, 2025, 08:15:05 AMShepherd's Pie

I think this is a historically an Irish speciality that has evolved into a traditional British food.

Shepherd's Pie is filled with meat (traditionally lamb) and is topped with a mashed potato crust.  The pie can also be topped with melted cheese.


Have you tried Shepherd's Pie?  Do you like it?

It's only called Shepherd's Pie when the meat is lamb. For obvious reasons. If the mince used is beef, then it's known as Cottage Pie instead. Yes I have eaten it many times and it's one of my favourite meals. The melted cheese on top of the mashed potato has to be a very extra mature cheese. Something with a lot of bite to it. Otherwise you don't even taste it.

I make these in batches and freeze them. My American hubby loves them, and I put carrots and peas into the gravy sauce too.. So at least he is eating healthy too.
I use ground turkey instead of beef, pork or lamb.. I'm sure there's a clever name for that, but I call them potato pie. I make the gravy with Bisto I get shipped in from the uk.. And a dash of HP sauce. So, unfortunately, any one in the USA will find it difficult to make..

My mother always put a layer of tomato slices on top of the meat under the potato.. I didn't like it. It may be a more traditional way, especially further south in England?

Quote from: SoupSarah on May 30, 2025, 09:35:11 PMI make these in batches and freeze them. My American hubby loves them, and I put carrots and peas into the gravy sauce too.. So at least he is eating healthy too.
I use ground turkey instead of beef, pork or lamb.. I'm sure there's a clever name for that, but I call them potato pie. I make the gravy with Bisto I get shipped in from the uk.. And a dash of HP sauce. So, unfortunately, any one in the USA will find it difficult to make..

My mother always put a layer of tomato slices on top of the meat under the potato.. I didn't like it. It may be a more traditional way, especially further south in England?

I know of the tomato thing too, Sarah. I never, ever understood it. There is this thing of putting tomato with mashed potato. It's very weird! I am not sure on the turkey honestly. But if you like it and if you love making it then more power to you. Call it the Bernard Matthews pie

HP sauce is.. yeah I get you girl. It's like Daddies sauce we used to get up north. It's the secret to a British chef.

Quote from: Sephirah on May 30, 2025, 09:49:24 PMI know of the tomato thing too, Sarah. I never, ever understood it. There is this thing of putting tomato with mashed potato. It's very weird! I am not sure on the turkey honestly. But if you like it and if you love making it then more power to you. Call it the Bernard Matthews pie

HP sauce is.. yeah I get you girl. It's like Daddies sauce we used to get up north. It's the secret to a British chef.

I use turkey because it's healthier for my hubby who has heart issues.. Honestly, I can't tell the difference..

Eaten it and made it many times 

I like making it with a Keema, that is Indian mince and peas.

Quote from: SoupSarah on May 30, 2025, 10:40:11 PMI use turkey because it's healthier for my hubby who has heart issues.. Honestly, I can't tell the difference..

Yep. I love shepherd's pie, and cottage pie, but I'm trying to get away from red meat and very rarely eat it.

And I don't like the killing of lambs