What is the difference between Shepherd Pie vs Cottage Pie?
We will cover some of the differences, and similarities, plus some delicious shepherd and cottage pie recipes!
I always wondered what the difference was between Shepherd Pie vs Cottage Pie and how the two options became so interchangeable here in the States.
Below are some of the differences, similarities, and some background.
Plus, a bunch of great recipes from across the internet! Perfect for St Patrick’s Day or a meal any night of the week. And this recipe collection includes options for different dietary needs and cooking methods.
Meat Used
Traditionally, a shepherds pie (aka shephard pie) is made using ground lamb.
The name is believe to have come from the direct correlation to a shepherd watching over lambs and sheep.
A cottage pie is made using ground beef.
Ground lamb was much more prevalent in the UK and when the recipes came over to the States, ground beef was often substituted since it was much more available than lamb. This is how the shift in the main meat used happened.
Vegetables
The vegetables in both a shepherd pie and cottage pie vary, and none are considered to be truly authentic.
Most commonly you will see onions, peas, and carrots.
Potato Topping
Both a shepherd pie and cottage pie have a mashed potato topping.
A popular variation is to use a puff pastry on top instead of the potatoes.
And a more recent, low carb option is using mashed cauliflower on top.
So there you have it.
The only real difference is the meat used, and how some parts of the world like the United States uses the term shepherds pie when they really mean cottage pie.
No matter how you like to eat it, here are some recipes (including options for all dietary variations) to inspire you for a family dinner or St Patrick’s Day!
Shepherd Pie and Cottage Pie Recipes
This Guinness Shepherd's Pie (Guinness Cottage Pie) is made with ground beef in a Guinness Irish beer sauce.
A healthy Weight Watchers Friendly Turkey Shepherd's Pie @ only 5 WW points on the blue plan per serving! Made with ground turkey, parsnips, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes.
A healthy low carb twist on the classic. The fresh ingredients in this cottage pie recipe make it’s flavor that much more outstanding. It most definitely feels like comfort food, but won’t load you up on carbs.
Stock your fridge or freezer and prepare dinner ahead of time to have this hearty Make Ahead Southwestern Shepherd's Pie ready for any night of the week.
This delicious Vegan Shepherds Pie recipe is a plant-based twist on the British Classic. A rich jackfruit ragu topped with mashed potatoes and baked until irresistibly golden.
Why make a boring tray of shepherds or cottage pie when you can make these beauties? Kids love them, too!
What happens when we bring the comfort and heartiness of British cooking and the spice and spunk of the Indian cuisine?
Oh this is just the best cottage pie ever! A flavoursome mix up between regular chilli and delicious traditional cottage pie. And that cheesy nacho mash, we’ll just wow!
This vegan shepherd’s pie is a modern, plant based version of the classic – a rich mushroom and lentil base, topped with creamy mashed potato and pumpkin. Total cold weather comfort food.
My take on a traditional Shepherd’s pie with lamb mince, root vegetables and real ale, and topped with creamy mashed potato.
This Instant Pot shepherd’s pie is a great way to save time—the filling and the potatoes both cook at the same time in the pressure cooker, making quick work of the classic comfort food!
Fall Shepherd's Pie - Featuring Butternut Squash - Recipe by Scott from Platter Talk
Make this savory shepherds pie featuring fall flavors and baked in oven-safe ramekins for individual servings.
Lamb shepherd’s pie with peas and carrots and a chive mashed potato topping is the perfect recipe to make with spring lamb.
This shepherd’s pie is cooked in your slow cooker so is excellent for busy families, all the flavour of your favourite home-cooked dish with the convenience of the slow cooker.
Shepherd’s pie with leftover roasted turkey or baked chicken is a scrumptious meal the whole family loves! This easy casserole dinner is fresh veggies in a creamy white gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked to perfection.
The warm, aromatic spices of Moroccan cuisine combine with healthy ingredients in this robust dish reminiscent of a shepherd's pie... Moroccan Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is comfort food with an exotic twist!
This delicious shepherds pie is made with venison instead of ground lamb. Delicious, simple one pot meal your family will love.
This Skillet Shepherd’s Pie is only 390 calories per serving and it’s gluten-free. It’s loaded with flavor, rich gravy, lean grass-fed beef and a bit of melted gooey cheese on top to make it unbelievably irresistible!
Keto Shepherd's Pie is the meaty casserole you remember your grandma making with a low carb make-over! Great way to use that leftover meat and veggies in your fridge! Pair with my Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower to make this the best recipe for your family keto table! So much meaty, savory flavors packed into one keto casserole skillet!
This vegan lentil shepherd’s pie recipe is pure comfort food. Loaded with nutritious ingredients all snuggled under creamy mashed potatoes. This is one hearty, comforting and easy to make veggie-loaded meal that is sure to delight your tastebuds.
Liven up your shepherd's pie with a Mexican twist! Lean ground turkey with peppers, chiles, and corn, is seasoned with Mexican spices and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes.
