Just wanted a nice change and was well entertained. Can't imagine this has gone on this long. Cooking is also cultural. A 93yr old once told me, if you just change one ingredient in a recipe, it is your recipe. sorry we armeicans spoiled the makings of Shepherds' Pie. Nonetheless, however done, it is still great when done.

Wow, such controversy! I came to this site to find a recipe that was a little quicker than my favorite Shepherd's pie which is Gordon Ramsey's. It's delicious and, oddly enough, calls for Parmesan cheese. Go figure!

Let's see, I have some Brits staying at our house this coming week..I'll ask them...How I got to Sherperd's pie..to this..maybe I'll go look up pumpkin pie! Think of those variations!

I have to put my two cents (pence!) in. In 2005 I visited England and had the best Shepherds Pie ever, in the Lake District. Maybe it was Americanized, for us tourists, but it was made with ground beef. The best part was it's wonderful brown gravy, that is what separated it from the bland pies I have had in the past. Does anyone know how to get this rich tasting gravy base? If it is the Bisto is that the same as our packaged brown gravy mixes?

Neil,

I think your comment about Vanessa's "shepard's pie" was not only insulting and rude, but ridiculous. If someone wanted to know the brit way to make it, they would pick a brit recipe. Who do you think you are to tell someone what they should and should not publish. The rest of the world does not revolve around your opinions, or your taste.

Well, Neil. I too innocently looked in to find a recipe for Shepherd's Pie. Having lived in England two years, we remember how delicious it was in our local pub. Would you care (dare) to weigh in on how to get that delicious gravy to pass with this dish? I would think you'd have to do some doctoring to the gravy that collects during the 2-hour bake period.

OMG...what a surprise to come upon my first reality recipe comment show! Although I just bought the beef not realizing the mistake, I could add some chopped lamb because I love it so.....So if I combine beef and lamb what should it be called? Would I hAve the best of both worlds? This is better than Jon & Kate!

Neil, Potatoes, did not come from Ireland they are native American as also Tomatoes, Squash, Corn, etc. So what did you people use before you sent your people here to survive on our Turkeys and wild rice, etc. that Native Americans gave them. It is amazing how you Europeans have such a short memory. Italians came here and thought Tomatoes were poisonous. Now they are convinced they invented them. Ug.

Potatoes originate from Peru & Bolivia. The cultivation of potatoes in South America goes back around 10,000 years. The first arrived in Europe, Spain first in 1570 & the British Isles between 1588 & 1593.In France, the end of the 16th century. By the 19th Century it's use was wide throughout Europe and then made it's way to Ireland. Potatoes became a major staple across Europe and Ireland for price and ability to store with less spoilage. There is evidence of potato growth in South America that dates back 2500 BC Europe first used the potato for animal fodder. Potatoes didn't make it to North America until the 1700's and didn't become a crop to grow until the 1800's. Though I am part Cherokee and appreciate all taught to my ancestors, what you stated about potatoes isn't so. Peace be with you always!

Hahahahaha! Everyone knows this is just a recipe right?! Now, I may not be an "expert" but I'm pretty sure people have been covering meat with potatoes (with or without cheese) forever.Thanks for the laughs =)

P.S. potatoes are from South America. Peru/Bolivia, 4000-6000 years ago.

Guess I make cottage pie - with ground beef, green beans, can of tomatoes and basil - and I do like some lead --shredded cheddar under my mashed potatoes and plenty of pepper on top of my potatoes. Add a salad and hot rolls and we're talking.

It occured to me that the shepherd's pie I was brought up on was always made with the remains of the roast beef from Sunday, minced up. Today I have the remains of a lamb roast and when I thought about what I could do with the question came up, "Wouldn't it make more sense for shepherds to make the pie with lamb?" So I googled shepherd's and here I am. Neil, Thanks and no cheese, please.

- The Americas include North to South America-From Canada to Hounduras, to Mexico to Chile and the rest of South America. Yes potatoes are native to the Americas. So was corn, tomatoes, etc. Good call.
- Shepherd's pie - Makes sense for it to be lamb. However, beef is cheap and a widely accepted substitute. Your wallet, your pick.
- Americans LOVE cheese - its true -- so why be offended?
- If you ask for an authentic recipe, don't be upset when you get it.

What's it called with goat. That's what I'm makin, tonight. Yep, Humor is a funny thing.

I'm with Neil. Authentic is what I asked. I think the [recipe] came from the Brit's in the first place. And it is true that shepherd's aren't drovers. They are highly regarded in culinary reputation. Neh?

Historically; does anyone know what they put on top of lamb before the boys stole and co-opted potatoes and corn, not to mention tomatoes.

I actually do farm clams. I don't think I'll try them in this recipe.

Thanks All! It had been kind of of a boring rainy day in Downeast Maine

Well, just made it this evening and it was great. One issue, it was hard to "drain off gravy" so I wound up just transfering the meat and vegetables to another dish with a slotted spoon, and then proceeding from there. A great recipe which I need to try again! On another note, Neil may or may not be a jerk, but I think some folks are reading too much into his recipe. I see nothing offensive about it ... it it tastes pretty darn good!