Easy shepherd’s pie

What's the difference between and shepherd's pie and a cottage pie?

Shepherd’s pie and cottage pie use exactly the same method and share many similar ingredients, the only real difference being shepherd’s pie uses lamb and cottage pie uses beef. In both cases mince is the most commonly used cut.

How do you make the best shepherd's pie?

The secret to a really good shepherd’s pie is packing flavour into the base. Browning the mince properly gives a deep colour to the finished filling and extra flavour from the caramelisation on the meat. Adding a mix of gently cooked onion, carrots and celery gives a savoury depth to the filling. A little flour stirred into the meat and veg before the stock is added will make sure your gravy has a decent body. Extras like a splash of Worcestershire sauce will give depth to the finished sauce. Strong woody herbs lie thyme and rosemary are best in this recipe.

If you want to get more veg into your pie, then then you can bump up the amount of carrots and celery or use other root veg like parsnips and sweet potato or even a couple of handfuls of frozen peas.

How do you make the best mash for shepherd's pie?

You want the mash for your shepherd’s pie to be quite dense as if it’s too loose you will end up with a sloppy pie that doesn’t keep its shape. For a lighter mash push the cooked potatoes through a potato ricer then beat in diced butter. Season the mash really well – potato is bland so it can take it. Before baking dot the mash with a little extra butter, this will help the surface get really golden and crisp up on the peaky bits.

Easy shepherd's pie recipe