How to Make Shepherd's Pie: 10 Cozy, Comforting Recipes

From classic comfort to creative twists, these shepherd’s pie recipes bring hearty, mashed-potato goodness to your table.

How To Make Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food- a hearty Irish classic perfect to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day or any other day of the year, at that. With layers of tasty ground lamb, tender vegetables, and creamy potatoes, mashed then baked to golden perfection, it’s a meal that warms both the heart and soul. No lamb? No problem. There's no one way how to make shepherd's pie, and you won't be judged for swapping lamb out for other meats like beef and turkey to whip up a quick and easy weeknight staple. What's more, you can keep it light and incorporate cauliflower into the potato. That way, you can make a shepherd's pie, but make it low-carb without sacrificing that creamy, tasty topping!

Our Most-Loved Shepherd's Pie Recipe

With sautéed lamb, glazed veg, and whipped, creamy mash- this Shepherd's Pie recipe can do no wrong, and is one of our most-visited recipes for a reason.


shepherd's pie

Individual Turkey Shepherd's Pie

This simplified Shepherd's Pie recipe can be a great way to incorporate healthy ground turkey into your diet. Divide the filling between ramekins and top with the potatoes to finish assembly. These individually-sized portions can easily be frozen and reheated for a quick, filling meal any time.

Michel Roux's Best Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is always a crowd-pleaser, as are chef Michel Roux's recipes. Put the two together, and you can rest assured that not a crumb of this delicious dish will be leftover.

Shepherd's Pie Potato Bowls

Don't be fooled. These aren't ordinary twice-baked potatoes: beneath the golden mashed potato top is a rich beef and vegetable filling. And unlike your usual casserole dish to hold your shepherd's pie, these bowls are edible.

Lightened-Up Shepherd's Pie

This lighter twist on a classic shepherd’s pie swaps out some of the potatoes for cauliflower, creating a creamy yet lower-carb mash. Lean ground beef keeps the dish on the healthier side, while scallions and tomato paste add fresh and rich flavour. A perfectly browned potato topping and hearty vegetable-packed filling creates a cozy and satisfying dinner that’s as nutritious as it is comforting.

30-Minute Shepherd's Pie

Rachel Ray serves up her version of Shepherd's Pie with a dish that’s made in just 40 minutes. While the potatoes boil, the ground meat mixture simmers away so the complete dish only needs a few minutes under the grill to finish. Save even more time by picking up some pre-made mashed potatoes and have dinner ready in a flash.


Turkey and Chilli Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato

Made with turkey chilli and sweet potato, Rachael Ray's version of the classic Shepherd's Pie gives a tasty twist to traditional. The final touch is a crispy, cheddar cheesy topping that bakes to a deep golden brown.


Shepherd's Pie from Leftover Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes

Extra beef leftover? What better way to put it to good use! This juicy Shepherd's Pie is made with layers of whipped mashed potatoes and a biscuit topping.

shepherd's pie with biscuit topping

Sirloin Shepherd's Pie

Layers of ground sirloin, creamed corn, and a crispy sweet and russet potato topping- it's not the traditionally Irish way of making a Shepherd's Pie, but this recipe is something to get excited about.

Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Finally, meaty mushrooms and creamy lentils come together in this healthy vegetarian version of shepherd’s pie. Carrots and leeks add a touch of sweetness to the filling, which is cooked entirely in a skillet. Then comes the cheesy, buttery mashed topping – just like the classic. A quick visit to the grill and you’ve got a hearty dish with a bubbly filling and perfectly browned topping that’s ready in under 45 minutes.