Since when does a need to follow tradition supersede a need for food to taste good? I really don't think that Neil does that much cooking. He seems to spend all his time criticizing and correcting people on their interpretations of a famous dish. Since when it is wrong for people to share their taste and interpretation with the rest of us?

Great recipe!!! Ah and Neil, you should stick to eating pre-made dinners. I hear hungry man is good?

Right, first of all how are potatoes considered a "new world" thing? Ok they are native to America but different variations grow and are used in cuisine globally. There is over a thousand different types of potato.

As for shepherds pie, the clue is in the name, SHEPHERDS. It has lamb in it not beef or ham or whatever. Shepherds pie is a cottage pie made with lamb, and whilst yes variations on a meal are ok this is a variation of cottage pie, not shepherds pie, just saying.

Neil has it right. If you want Shepherd's pie follow the British recipe use lamb. If you want cottage pie use anything you have. Lot's of folks on here trying to justify their ignorance. This recipe... yuk!