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    Home » Recipes » Beef Recipes

    Irish Cottage Pie {Shepherd’s Pie}

    Published: Mar 6, 2021 · Modified: Sep 28, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    2.0K shares
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    5 from 78 votes
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    Pinterest image for Irish Cottage Pie

    My earliest memory of Cottage Pie was when I attended grade school in New Jersey. This was back in the sixties, and it was called Shepherd’s Pie, which is the name I knew it by for many years.

    side view of slice of shepherd's pie on a white plate

    But the truth is a Shepherd’s Pie Recipe calls for ground lamb, not ground beef. The beef version of this Irish Classic is called Cottage Pie and has been a favorite in our house since our trip to Ireland a few years ago. But no matter what you call it’s true comfort food.

    Just don’t confuse this dish with an Irish Meat Pie; that’s an entirely different recipe.

    Ingredients to make Cottage Pie

    Ingredients to make recipe

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make the beef filling of the Cottage Pie. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    This recipe contains ground beef, (thawed) frozen peas, Guinness Stout, tomato paste, onions, carrots, olive oil, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, sea salt, chopped garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and all-purpose flour. (you can use gluten-free flour)

    Do I have to use Beef to make Cottage Pie?

    No, you don’t. You can use lamb to make the original shepherd’s pie or substitute ground chicken or ground turkey. The type of meat used is up to you. It can be made with a combination of ground beef, ground veal and ground pork if you like. It is after all your dinner.

    You can even swap out the mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes.

    Do I have to use Peas and Carrots in Cottage Pie?

    No, you don’t. My wife hates both of those vegetables, so when I make it for home, I usually leave out the peas (she has to deal with the carrots) and add mushrooms and sometimes cooked chopped spinach or broccoli rabe to the mixture. Corn is also an excellent addition.

    Use your imagination and have fun with the beef mixture.

    How do I make Cottage Pie?

    sauteed onions and garlic in a large saute pan

    Add the olive oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and saute for 5 minutes allowing the onions to fully cook and begin to caramelize.

    Add the minced garlic and continue to saute for an additional minute.

    Collage of four images of cooking steps including carrots and ground beef
    • Add the diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
    • Add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned. Stir as needed and break up the pieces using a wooden spoon or wire whisk.
    • Add the Guinness to deglaze the pan and scrape all the tasty bits off the bottom of the pan. If you’re not a fan of Guinness, you can substitute red wine or your favorite beer.
    • Add the flour, mixing well with the ingredients. Allow to cook for 2 minutes, to get the raw flavor out of the flour.
    cooked ground beef in large skillet with seasonings, herbs and tomato paste added to pan

    Add the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, rosemary, thyme, sea salt and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate fully and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, until liquid is reduced.

    peas added to mixture

    Add in the peas and remove from the heat. Mix well.

    What ingredients do I need to make mashed potatoes?

    ingredients to make mashed potatoes for recipe

    There are many different ways to make mashed potatoes. I love this upscale version that was taught to me by the owner of the tavern, where I learned how to prepare this dish.

    Feel free to adjust the recipe to your favorite, but if you give this version a try, it just might surprise you!

    How do I make mashed potatoes?

    collage  showing how to make mashed potatoes
    • Start off by adding the potatoes to a large sauce pan of cold water. Dump the water and refill the pot, adding a teaspoon of sea salt to the water. Bring potatoes to a boil.
    • Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, no longer!. Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the hot pot over low heat. This will remove any excess water from the potatoes.
    • Add the unsalted butter to the pan and using a potato masher, mash the butter into the potatoes.
    • Using a fork whip the egg yolk with the milk. Then add the milk/egg mixture and cream cheese to the potatoes and mix until well combined. Use a potato masher or wire whisk to mix.
    • Season with sea salt, black pepper to taste.
    • Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the potatoes, folding it into the mixture.

    *Variations can include sour cream, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese or your favorite cheese.

    How do I assemble Cottage Pie?

    Collage showing assembly of cottage pie
    • Transfer the meat filling into a 9-inch by 9-inch baking dish (or casserole dish). Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Pat with paper towels if greasy. *You can also make individual servings in smaller baking dishes. This is how we would have made it in the restaurant.
    • Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture. Use a spatula to even out the potatoes.
    • Bake for 20 minutes, uncovered.
    • Carefully remove the cottage pie from the oven and sprinkle the ¼ cup of the shredded cheddar and the chopped parsley on top of the potatoes. Return to the oven and continue to bake for 10 minutes.
    • Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving
    cooked cottage pie with slice taken out

    After letting this delicious dish cool, so it properly sets up, you can cut it into portions and serve it on a plate or bowl.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    What is traditional cottage pie?

    A traditional cottage pie is made consists of a rich meaty filling as the bottom layer, topped with vegetables (rather than mixed in), with the final layer of shredded potatoes. It’s made with leftover roast beef or ground beef.

    Is cottage pie of Irish or English origin?

    Both England and Ireland have laid claim to Shepards Pie and Cottage Pie. The name “cottage pie” was first used at the end of the 18th century and was named after the poorer residents of Britain that lived in cottages..

    What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

    The only difference is in the meat used. Shepherd’s pie should only be named as such if it contains lamb, and “cottage pie” applies to one made with beef.

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    side view of slice of shepherd's pie on a white plate
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 78 votes

    Easy Cottage Pie

    One of Ireland's classic dishes is Cottage Pie. Also, known as Shepherd's Pie there are as many recipes for this hearty and filling dish as there are Irish Grandmothers! This is my version of a recipe that was shared with me while visiting Killarney, Ireland.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 20 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: English, Irish
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 719kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Beef Filling

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 cup onion chopped
    • 2 pound ground beef or ground lamb
    • 2 teaspoons parsley chopped – fresh or dried
    • 1 teaspoon rosemary chopped – fresh or dried
    • 1 teaspoon thyme chopped – fresh or dried
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 cup carrots diced – fresh or frozen
    • 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
    • 1 cup Guinness If you're not a fan of Guinness, you can substitute red wine or your favorite beer.
    • 1 cup beef broth

    Potatoes

    • 2 pounds potatoes peeled and cut
    • ¼ cup butter
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 2 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 large egg yolk
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
    • 1 tsp sea salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper to taste

    Assembly

    • ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
    • 1 tsp parsley chopped (garnish)
    US Customary – Metric
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    Instructions

    Beef Mixture

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C
    • Add the olive oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for 5 minutes. allowing the onion to fully cook.
    • Add the minced garlic and continue to saute for an additional minute.
    • Add the diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
    • Add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes or beef is nicely browned. Stir as needed and break up the pieces using a spoon or wire whisk.
    • Add the Guinness to deglaze the pan and scrape all the tasty bits off the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the flour, mixing well with the ingredients. Allow to cook for 2 minutes, to get the raw flavor out of the flour.
    • Add the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, sea salt and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate fully and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, until liquid is reduced.
    • Add in the peas and remove from the heat.

    Mashed Potatoes

    • Bring potatoes to a boil in a large pot with salted water.
    • Cook until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot over low heat. This will remove any excess water from the potatoes.
    • Add the butter to the pan and using a potato masher, mash the butter into the potatoes.
    • Using a fork whip the egg yolk with the milk.
    • Add milk/egg mixture and cream cheese to the potatoes and mix until well combined. Use a potato masher or wire whisk to mix.
    • Season with sea salt, black pepper to taste.
    • Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the potatoes, folding it into the mixture.

    Assembly

    • Transfer the meat filling into a 9-inch by 9-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
      *You can also make individual servings in smaller baking dishes. This is how we would have made it in the restaurant.
    • Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture. Using a spatula even out the potatoes.
    • Bake for 20 minutes.
    • Carefully remove the cottage pie from the oven and sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheddar and the chopped parsley on top of the potatoes.
      Return to the oven and continue to bake for 10 minutes.
    • Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 719kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 1345mg | Potassium: 794mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4555IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 261mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    1. Rose Ann Sales

      March 09, 2021 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      It’s one of my favorite. It’s my comfort food. Yours sounds really delicious.

      Reply
    2. Kathryn

      March 09, 2021 at 9:11 am

      Such a great recipe for the upcoming holiday! I’ve been looking for a good recipe for a while so need to try this one. Such great comfort food!

      Reply
    3. Melissa Dixon

      March 09, 2021 at 8:54 am

      Wow, this looks so good. I need to make it for my family, I know that they would love it.

      Reply
    4. BRIANNA S

      March 09, 2021 at 8:50 am

      Yum!! This looks great. I wonder if I could substitute ground turkey for beef?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        March 09, 2021 at 8:58 am

        you sure can, that’s an easy substitution

        Reply
        • Neele

          March 17, 2021 at 8:06 pm

          Just cooked this tonight. It was very delish!!

      • Colleen

        July 04, 2021 at 8:16 pm

        Hi! What do you recommend for freezing this? Should I skip baking it and do that when reheating? Thank you!

        Reply
        • Chef Dennis Littley

          July 04, 2021 at 9:42 pm

          After assembly let the shepherd’s pie cool, then freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to serve it, you can either thaw it before baking or bake it frozen.

    5. Nikki Wayne

      March 09, 2021 at 4:24 am

      5 stars
      I love having this on my plain bread or white rice. The taste is so rich and savory

      Reply
    6. Anosa

      March 09, 2021 at 2:10 am

      5 stars
      Your shepherd’s pie looks absolutely delicious and inviting, it’s a staple dish in our home, and mum makes one of the best.

      Reply
    7. Tasheena

      March 08, 2021 at 9:52 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve always wanted to try making this at home. Looking forward to trying this recipe.

      Reply
    8. Heather

      March 08, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      It’s been so long since I’ve had shepherd’s pie. I can’t wait to make this one!

      Reply
    9. Tara Pittman

      March 08, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      My family would love this for dinner. It looks very tasty.

      Reply
    10. Linda

      March 08, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      Guinness in cottage pie? You speak my language and I can’t wait to try this recipe. Plus, that filling looks so delicious.

      Reply
    11. Beth

      March 08, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like a great recipe! I’ll be trying this with a plant-based beef substitute and mushrooms instead of peas. I always love that you include alternatives for people who may not like (or have) some of the ingredients.

      Reply
    12. Amber Myers

      March 08, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      I must make this! I haven’t had it in ages and I LOVE it so much. This looks incredible.

      Reply
    13. Gloria

      March 08, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      This is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for any night of the week. I would make a double batch and put one in the freezer for another time.

      Reply
    14. Sue

      March 08, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      A delicious Irish dish!

      Reply
    15. Angela

      March 08, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is a wonderful recipe! So much flavor. Can’t wait to make it again.

      Reply
    16. Sondra

      March 08, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      This is Shepherd’s Pie recipe is fantastic!

      Reply
    17. Kay

      March 08, 2021 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      This shepherds pie recipe is amazing 🙂

      Reply
    18. Emily Flint

      March 08, 2021 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      Yum! this reminds me of what my mom used to make when we were kids. I can’t wait to try yours!

      Reply
    19. melissa chapman

      March 08, 2021 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      I had never heard of cotage pie before this. I used to love my mother’s shepherds pie growing up so I have to try a version for my son.

      Reply
    20. FOODHEAL

      March 07, 2021 at 10:43 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe reminds me of a shepherd’s pie a friend had made some years back. I like the way it looks rich and flavorful.

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    My name is Dennis Littley or "Chef Dennis" as I'm known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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