Imagine this: Im browsing online with my 11 yr old daughter, for shepherds pie. Oh look heres one.. Lets see.. Hmmm...(my daughter says) "Mom look at all those people being fussy online. Why do they do that? (me) I don't know honey. (her) We get into trouble for acting that way in school. (me) Laughs. The recipes good however lol..

Who, but a brit knows how to make shepherds pie? This is the best recipe. I've made it for my family and friends. All great feedback.

Oh for goodness sakes !!! I grew up in Scotland and this dish was, and still is my grandpa's favorite. Lamb was never used, as we couldn't afford it, so, we used beef. I cook Shepherd's Pie once a week and my kids love it. And guess what? Yes, I do use cheese in the potatoes, as i feel it makes them creamier and gives a lovely flavour... but, each to his own. Takes me ten minutes to prepare, so who am I to complain? Go neil, go Clara, go Bruce, go Marcia...and to all of you. Let's go cook this thing !!!!

Ive never had Shepards Pie....not the "real" one anyway. Ive tried lamb before and frankly, ....couldnt even stand the smell of it cooking! Who knows....maybe I was doing something wrong but...........It really does my heart good to see someone truely stand up for something that actually represents a culture! Im adding this to my "favorites"....just because !!!

Let's look at logic. Shepherd's watch what? A flock of Sheep. So it is logic that Shepherd's pie is meant to be with lamb. Unfortunately here in America (yes, I said here since I am American) many people who came from Europe until this century most likely didn't have the money to buy lamb and the meat was hard to get too. So, if you look at this, then what do people use when there is no LAMB but want some red meat? Majority of the time they use BEEF!!! So there you go with the most logical reason why cottage pie is sometimes termed Shepherd's Pie.

I think Neil is secretly a member of Monty Python! I'm a Canadian - and yes we love cheese with apple pie. Don't like lamb. Never met a shepherd in my life. I'll make the dish using everybody's recipes as "guidelines"

I didn't find you rude or snobby, you were just stating a fact, I am bothered when in a restaurant they put shepherds pie in the menu and then don't specify that it is made with beef and not lamb. but in your own kitchen like the person who posted said use beef, seal, walrus, whatever you are making it for you and yours and throw in some cheese if you want. lol joanne

I grew up with Shepherd's pie on one of the Caribbean islands that was formerly a British colony, & have always been of the opinion that it was a way of using left-overs! Personally, I think it is one of those dishes that vary from cook to cook, family to family, & availability of ingredients, & variety being the spice of life, that is what makes all the different versions so interesting!! However, I do think Neil's comments could have been more polite. There is no reason to "talk down" to others & he came across as having a elitist attitude, which often rubs others the wrong way. The British are usually very gentlemanly & this certainly does not reflect such an attitude. There are probably lots of things about American cooking that he does not have a clue about either!! We all live & learn & that's what makes the world go 'round!

Cheese, glorious cheese. Yep, I'm an American. I guess I'll rename my version, American Shepherd's Pie (cheese included). You guys need to lighten up. Thanks for the recipe Neil.

There are times when you just have to tell it like it is.... I looked for a cottage pie reciept for months.. I have been to Ireland and Great Britain.. It is hard to find good Shepherds pie or Cottage pie in the US. You're right about the cheese. I am one American who doesn't like cheese all over my meal or hot sauces either. LOL

I agree about the comment seeming a bit snobbish... My grandmother is welsh/english and has always made shepherds pie with beef.... Maybe thats just how she does it. To each their own. I make cornish pasty with corn beef like she used to.

I'm with neil. Lay off the cheese please everyone can't eat it! Also how about more fresh ingredients and less (of everything) out of the can.

Bravo Neil! A true Brit wit... AND a good cook. Clara et al. - you are the ones who need to get over yourselves. What arrogance and cultural myopia! Nothing rude about it in the least. This is what one calls "dry humor." The proper and expected response is a similar tongue-in-cheek comment. Suggest you educate yourself about our brethren from the Tin Isles by reading Punch magazine or viewing a Monty Python DVD. In the meanwhile - note to Neil: Americans aren't fond of lamb, hence the beef substitution. The propensity to dump cheese in and on everything is one reason why thin-skinned Americans have fat-thickened waistlines. Thanks for the genuine recipe article - and the ribbing.

BEEF stock????

Have not tried this recipe but I do plan on making it. Just wanted the Brit to know I will try not to ADD CHEESE! LOL

Thanks for the recipe!