Shepherd's pie

What is Shepherd's pie?

Shepherd's pie is a savoury baked dish made by spreading mashed potato over a layer of minced meat, then baking until golden. The meat can be lamb or beef, and is often cooked with onions and gravy for extra flavour. The top is a thick, smooth layer of mashed potato, which browns in the oven. The pie is usually served in a large dish, cut into portions, and is often paired with green vegetables like peas. The taste is hearty and comforting, with the creamy potato balancing the rich meat beneath.

Where does Shepherd's pie come from?

The name 'cottage pie' dates back to the late 1700s, while 'shepherd's pie' appeared in the 1800s. Early recipes sometimes used leftover cooked meat, as refrigeration was not common, making it practical to reuse Sunday roasts throughout the week. The dish is known in France as hachis Parmentier, a version that became popular in the late 19th century. The names and fillings have shifted over time, with some insisting that only lamb makes a true shepherd's pie, while others use the terms interchangeably.

How is Shepherd's pie made?

To prepare shepherd's pie, minced meat is cooked with onions and sometimes gravy, then placed in a baking dish. A generous layer of mashed potatoes is spread over the meat, smoothing the top. Some recipes add a bottom layer of potato as well. The assembled pie is baked until the potato topping is golden and slightly crisp. The meat can be freshly cooked or made from leftovers, and the dish is flexible to what is on hand.

How and when is Shepherd's pie eaten?

Shepherd's pie is usually eaten hot for lunch or dinner. It is often served as a family meal, portioned straight from the baking dish. Peas or other green vegetables are common sides. The dish is practical for using up leftover meat and is popular in homes and canteens. In some places, it is also found in supermarkets and restaurants, often labelled according to the meat used.

Kinds of Shepherd's pie

There are many takes on shepherd's pie. Some cooks use beef, calling it cottage pie, while others use lamb. Vegetarian and vegan versions swap out the meat for plant-based ingredients. In France, hachis Parmentier may use either lamb or beef, and sometimes includes a layer of sautéed potatoes at the bottom. Other pies with mashed potato toppings use fillings like fish, chicken, or vegetables.

What Shepherd's pie means

Shepherd's pie is a familiar comfort food in Britain, Ireland, and other countries with British influence. It is not tied to a particular festival or religious event but is a staple of everyday cooking. The dish reflects practical home cooking traditions, making use of leftovers and simple ingredients. Its French counterpart, hachis Parmentier, is named for a figure who promoted the use of potatoes in France.

Questions people ask about Shepherd's pie

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• How to make perfect cottage pieThe Guardian, Article
• Turkey and ham pieBBC, Recipe

• Shepherd's pie on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data