Shepherd’s Pie
A classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe featuring tender ground meat, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, all baked to perfection for a comforting and hearty meal.
History of Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie originated in the UK and Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries, created as a way to use leftover lamb. The term “Shepherd’s Pie” emerged in the 1870s, distinguishing it from Cottage Pie, which uses beef. It became especially popular during food rationing post-war and remains a comforting, versatile dish with minced meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
If you want to find out more about the history of title, here is where I found my information!
This post may contain affiliate links. See full disclosure here.
Ingredients & Substitutes
- Peeled potatoes
- Soy-free vegan butter (or homemade)
- Olive oil for frying
- Onion, finely diced
- Vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, or any preferred options)
- Ground beef (or other meat)
- Beef broth
- Coconut aminos (or alternative if avoiding soy and gluten, see notes)
- Salt
- Garlic or Johnny sea salt seasoning
- Pepper
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes in a large pot.
In the meantime, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan, then add the onion and vegetables. Cook until tender and the onions are translucent.
In a separate pan, cook the beef until browned.
Once browned, combine the beef with the cooked vegetables, broth, and coconut aminos. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir the butter and seasonings into the mashed potatoes.
Layer the beef and vegetable mixture in a 9×11 baking dish, then top with the mashed potatoes.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown. Alternatively, broil on high for 5-10 minutes.
Common Questions
1. What is the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
- Shepherd’s Pie is made with beef, while Cottage Pie is made with lamb. The two dishes are very similar in terms of preparation and ingredients.
2. Can you make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, you can use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and different flavor, though it will change the traditional taste.
4. Can Shepherd’s Pie be frozen?
- Yes, Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
5. What can I substitute for ground lamb in Shepherd’s Pie?
- Ground beef, turkey, or chicken are great alternatives if you don’t prefer lamb.
6. How do I make the mashed potatoes for Shepherd’s Pie creamy?
- Use non dairy butter, vegan cream or non dairy milk, and seasoning to make the mashed potatoes smooth and creamy. Also, consider using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
7. Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
- Yes, adding vegan cheese like cheddar to the mashed potatoes gives it a richer flavor and a nice golden crust when baked.
8. Is Shepherd’s Pie a healthy dish?
- Shepherd’s Pie can be made healthier by using lean meat, reducing the butter and cream in the mashed potatoes, or adding extra vegetables to the filling.
Other Favorite Allergy Friendly Dinner Recipes
Shepherd’s Pie
My husband loves meat. This recipe is very meaty and is always is one he loves. We make it often. You can substitute beef for any meat of your choice. It can be made top 8 free and Takes 1 hour 15 mins from start to finish. Serves 8-10.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds peeled potatoes
- 1/2 cup soy free vegan butter, OR homemade
- 2 TB olive oil for frying
- 1 onion, diced finely
- 1–2 cups veggies-carrots, corn, peas, or whatever you like.
- 2 lbs. beef OR other meat
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp coconut aminos (if soy & gluten-free), OR if also coconut free—*See notes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic or Johnny sea salt seasoning
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Boil and peel the mash the potatoes in a large pot.
- Meanwhile, pour 2 TB oil in a pan, add the onion and veggies in till they are thoroughly cooked. Onions should become translucent.
- Cook your beef in a separate pan till browned.
- Once browned, mix in veggies, broth, and coconut aminos. Simmer for 5 mins.
- Mix the mashed potatoes with the butter, and seasonings.
- Layer beef veggie mixture then mashed potatoes into a 9×11 baking dish
- Bake till mashed potatoes are golden brown, about 30 minutes OR broil on high 5-10 mins.
Notes
*Soak 1/2 cup of dried mushrooms, plus 1/4 tsp salt in water for a few hours and then use the liquid to replace coconut aminos for a 1-to-1 ratio. Save the remaining liquid for other recipes that call for coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 45 Min
- Cook Time: 30 Min