Great recipe, the only thing I did different was substituted chicken for beef, and used brown sugar and turkey gravy! YUM

Just to help settle the 'name' of this dish, it's actually quite simple:

Shepherd's Pie - is minced lamb with mashed potatoes (The name Shepherd is a reference to sheep (or lamb))
Cottage Pie - is minced beef with mashed potatoes (The US version)
Cumberland Pie - is minced beef, mashed potatoes and cheese (and typically is topped with breadcrumbs)

I am also a Brit but living in this country I have learned to conform. Yes Cottage pie is beef & Shepherds Pie is Lamb but we still prefer beef & ended up naming the beef version Shepherds pie regardless, no worries, bon appetite everyone, life's too short! (We had a war over roses, let's not have one over pies please!)

I have tried many variations of the "Americanized" shepards pie, but being from the deep south, I make a few changes. I mix the ground beef with dry onion soup mix, then I smash it onto the bottom of the pan. (I use a lasagna pan, but for smaller pies, a pie pan is good). I bake the meat mixture at 350°F til it's browned, about 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, I prep the mashed potatoes and veggies, (whatever is on hand), layer that on the beef, then I top with a jar of beef-onion gravy, a can of fried onions and then some shredded cheddar. Then I bake it til the cheese bubbles. I serve it in slices as if it were a lasagna. My family all have hearty appetites and this works great without costing a fortune!

Just made your Shepherds Pie for the 1st time and I must say it is very delicious. Thank you Vanessa for the recipe and to the brit who talked down to you.. He needs to stay in England where all the rude people live. You did great Vanessa, again Thank you.

It's simple really just to clarify cottage pie is made with beef and shepherds pie is made with lamb Neil wasn't being pedantic just pointing out facts , traditionally that's what's it's called in great ol blighty. This recipe was nice tho not taking away from that

i like mixing a can of cream of mushroom soup into the potatoes after mashed, adds flavour and gives them a fluffy texture :)

Vanessa,
Keep posting your recipes. It was a great dish! Shepherd's Pie should be one of those dishes that you can add to or delete to the cooks taste:)

Well I have been searching for a Sunday dinner ideal with the ingredients I have on hand. Believe me when I say that I do not have a problem with lamb, but have an issue with time. I just want comfort food and Shepherd's pie came to mind. Because of all the back and forth I think I will try this recipe. Men love meat and children have to be persuaded to try new dishes and I have a problem with peas. But it is once all together I think it will be a hit. I think I found my Sunday dinner meal. Beef, potatoes, cheese and vegetables. Okay I am in

Thank you Vanessa! I am a college student that needs quick meals with little ingredients that still satisfy, and this has done the trick! Thank you!

Thank you Vanessa. I need recipes that are simple to make as I am a busy mom. I don't need a a recipe like Neil's. I don't have the time for that. Thanks again Vanessa.

My family would absolutely not eat anything with lamb (Brit recipe). They loved your "Poor Man's Pie". In fact, I am making it again tonight. It was rated "super" by my family of men.

It is fine just the way it is written. Neil has popped up with sarcastic comments on other Shepherd Pie recipes. He needs to learn to play nice.

Hi Vanessa, I make a similar version of shepherds pie, but use instant mashed potatoes and canned gravy...and my husband (a Brit) loves it. I brown my hamburger with chopped onion, add some salt, pepper and garlic powder. Drain, add frozen mixed vegetables, and the can of gravy, mix well and place in a oval casserole dish. Prepare the instant mashed potatoes (enough for 6) as directed. spread it over the meat mixture and put it in the oven for 30 minutes. Add 8 ounces shredded cheddar and bake an additional 15 minutes... Easy!!!

Thanks Vanessa! My children and husband can't get enough of this... This is easy and quick... Thanks again!