Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie is classic comfort food and a family favorite.
Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie are similar dishes, but there is a difference in the type
of meat used in each.
Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb or mutton as the main meat ingredient, while Cottage Pie is made with beef.
This difference in meat choice comes from the origins of the dishes. Shepherd's Pie is believed to have originated in Ireland and the UK, where lamb or mutton is more commonly consumed. Cottage Pie, on the other hand, is believed to have originated in England, where beef is more readily available.
Other than the difference in meat, the two dishes are prepared similarly with mashed potatoes on top of a meat and vegetable base, and then baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Nowadays, the terms Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie are often used interchangeably, with beef being a more common and affordable meat choice in many regions.
I got the recipe from my mother in law years ago and it was a meal my kids always requested. She called it Shepherd’s Pie so it’s definitely stuck. We all love it!
In our casserole we use a layer of cooked ground beef, topped with green beans, (they can be frozen or canned) mashed potatoes, and cheddar cheese.
This simple yet delicious recipe is comes together super fast which is why I’ve always loved having it on my go-to list of easy meals!
The ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie are few and simple, but the result is a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love. To start, you will need one pound of cooked ground beef. You can use lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference. The ground beef should be seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to give it a delicious flavor. Sometimes I cut up an onion and add to the ground beef as it’s cooking. It’s tastes fantastic both ways!
Next, you will need two cans of green beans. You can use canned or frozen green beans, depending on what you have on hand. If you are using canned green beans, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the casserole.
The third ingredient is mashed potatoes. You can use homemade mashed potatoes or instant mashed potatoes, depending on your preference. Homemade mashed potatoes will give the casserole a more rustic and hearty flavor, while instant mashed potatoes will make it a little quicker and easier to prepare.
The final ingredient is cheddar cheese. You will need about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top of the casserole. This will give it a delicious, cheesy flavor that everyone will love.
To make Shepherd’s Pie, start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, cook one pound of ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, and then season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Next, layer the cooked ground beef in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Top the ground beef with the green beans, spreading them evenly over the beef.
Then, spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the green beans, making sure to cover them completely.
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. It is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation and is loved by all. Whether you use homemade mashed potatoes or instant mashed potatoes, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
2 cans of green beans, drained
3 cups of mashed potatoes
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef, and stir well to combine.
Spread the cooked beef evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer the drained green beans on top of the beef.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the green beans, and smooth out the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the dish are lightly browned.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Shepherd's pie hot
Enjoy!