Do you have a shepherd's pie secret?

[Anonymous]

I"m making shepherd's pie for dinner tonight. I get the basic jist of it: saute some peas, carrots, onions and meat with Worcestershire sauce. Then top it off with some mashed potatoes and bake.

But, what really sends shepherd's pie over the edge? I mean, what's going to make me want to eat that shepherd again and again, like every night?

[muscularbumblebee]

I wouldn’t call it a ‘secret’ but extra onions in mine, lots of butter (if you’re eating Shepard's pie might as well go all in), thick gravy, lots of seasoning and slightly crisp potato to the top of it. I personally prefer more meat to potato ratio but it depends on person


Don’t think you really can change up classic recipe a lot lol but hey maybe others do

[purplepoppy]

The main thing is to use lamb not beef or you end up with a cottage pie. Secondly use hogget or mutton for more flavour. I'd opt for the cheaper cuts, like neck and shoulder and cook real slow to dissolve the sinew into a rich sauce.

[Asker]

I used beef. It was actually good but I'd love to eat your shepherd's pie.

[FilmGuy93]

Use lamb instead of beef!

[EmmaMary]

A shepherd's pie is made with lamb.

A cottage pie is made with beef.

[FilmGuy93]

@EmmaMary Really? Interesting, I didn't know that. I've only ever had Shepard's pie made of beef, until recently.

[EmmaMary]

@filmguy93

It's quite easy to remember... A shepherd looks after... Sheep (lambs).

[FilmGuy93]

@EmmaMary Well yeah... it makes perfect sense. I just didn't know about it.

[EmmaMary]

@filmguy93

You do realise that what you've actually been having up to now is... Cottage Pie. lol

[FilmGuy93]

@EmmaMary I do realize that. I'm just not really sure what to say about it hahaha

[EmmaMary]

@filmguy93

I'm so sorry if I've "burst your bubble"! lol

[Asker]

@EmmaMary We have an Americanized version of it, like everything else.

[EmmaMary]

@bean2k21

That of course, goes without saying! 🙂

Footnote: Have you ever considered putting a nice tasty grated cheese topping on whilst cooking this?

[Asker]

@EmmaMary Why don't you come grate my cheese?

[EmmaMary]

@bean2k21

I'll treat that with the contempt it deserves.