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You are here: Home / Main Meal / Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

Updated 29 April 2024 Published 21 January 2014 70 Comments

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Shepherd’s Pie using leftover roast beef with added dried porcini mushrooms for a really delicious and intense flavour. Yes, this is technically a Cottage Pie!

Best, delicious, family favourite, thrifty, frugal

You may have spotted the Sainsbury campaign to Make Your Roast Go Further so as I’m always trying to cook economically I jumped at the chance to join in!

I bought a lovely joint of beef and with some of the leftovers decided to make a Shepherd’s Pie. So yes technically I made a Cottage Pie (human error is great isn’t it)!

This was a bit of a brave decision as the last one I’d made was at school and my children have refused to eat shop-bought ones so it’s a dish we never have.

My memory of my school experience was of the spoonfuls of potato disappearing into the beef/gravy mixture and it being a rather messy affair.

This time I decided piping on the potato would solve any sinking issues and give a more even look.

Best, delicious, family favourite, thrifty, frugal

I researched various Shepherd’s Pies and came up with this recipe in which I decided to use dried Porcini mushrooms (which I happened to have) and I have to say they gave a really intense richness to the dish.

I did wish I’d had a mincer as chopping up the meat finely was quite a labour of love but the result was equally as good.

Best, delicious, family favourite, thrifty, frugal

I was thoroughly rewarded for my effort as the result was 4 spotless plates. I think the fact that it tasted nothing like the bland shop-bought variety had a big part to play.

I’ll make this again as it’s such a warming, comforting dish and a good way to make your roast go further!

Best, delicious, family favourite, thrifty, frugal
Piping makes it easier to distribute the mashed potato!

More Beef Recipes

  • Monday Pie
  • One Pot Minced Beef Hotpot
  • Minced Beef and Onions
  • Italian Minced Beef Plait
  • Bulgogi, Korean Barbecued Beef

Disclaimer: I was sent a shopping voucher by Sainsbury to cover the cost of my ingredients.

Leave a comment and rating below when you’ve made this recipe; I love getting your feedback! You can also share your pictures by tagging @FabFood4All over on Instagram.

Best, delicious, family favourite, thrifty, frugal
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4.73 from 11 votes
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Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie with porcini mushrooms, tomatoes and herbs for a super tasty dish your family with love!
Course Main
Cuisine British
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings 4
Author Camilla

Ingredients

  • For mash topping:
  • 700 g Potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 25 g Butter
  • 15 g Extra butter to dot on top
  • Salt & Pepper
  • For base:
  • 1 tbsp Rapeseed oil
  • 1 Onion finely diced
  • 10 g Dried Porcini mushrooms rehydrated or 50g Mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp Ketchup
  • ½ tsp Dried English mustard powder
  • ¼ tsp Mixed herbs
  • 300 ml Beef or lamb stock made with 1 stock cube
  • 350 g Cooked beef or lamb ground or finely chopped
  • Pepper

Instructions

  • Boil potatoes for 15 – 20 minutes in boiling water and then drain immediately (or they will go soggy).
  • Meanwhile fry the onion gently in 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan for 5 minutes.
  • Add the mushrooms and fry for another minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, ketchup, mustard powder, herbs, stock and pepper.
  • Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture to a dish.
  • Mash the potatoes with the butter, salt and pepper.
  • Place the mash on the meat, (I find piping is the easiest option), then fluff up with a fork if desired.
  • Dot the mash with flecks of butter and bake in the oven at 200°C for 25 minutes or until browned.
  • Serve with your favourite vegetables.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon

    27/04/2016 at 11:37 pm

    This recipe always reminds me of my childhood at my grandparents 🙂

    Reply
    • Camilla

      28/04/2016 at 12:40 am

      Aah, love food memories;-)

      Reply
  2. Martin Heslip

    20/01/2016 at 10:24 pm

    I cook my veg with it, then let it cool…….my mash potato is made up of spuds, butter, a drop of milk, salt & pepper, (finely chopped celery and/or spring onions), optional….
    Then spoon it on top and fluff it up with a fork……
    Yummy……..Martin…..

    Reply
  3. Rahela

    20/01/2016 at 7:05 pm

    Love shepherd’s pie, I’ve got one in the freezer for tomorrow’s dinner

    Reply
  4. Martina Evans

    26/11/2015 at 8:42 pm

    One of my favorite winter warming dishes, thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  5. Mike

    06/11/2015 at 4:01 pm

    I only need one serving so can I freeze the others?

    Reply
    • Camilla

      06/11/2015 at 5:37 pm

      Yes that would be fine:-)

      Reply
  6. Maya Russell

    27/09/2015 at 7:15 am

    Just so happens I’m looking to use up some mince today and have dried mushrooms I picked & dried last week. Thanks again for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      27/09/2015 at 11:26 am

      Perfect;-)

      Reply
  7. Emily Leary

    10/09/2015 at 10:09 pm

    Looks great. Love a good shepherd’s pie.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      10/09/2015 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks Emily:-)

      Reply
  8. JingerKat

    25/08/2015 at 3:13 pm

    It’s a miserable wet cold day here today ~this is the purrfect comfort food

    Reply
    • Camilla

      25/08/2015 at 8:19 pm

      Same here and the forecast is for the same:-( Definitely weather for Shephard’s Pie!

      Reply
  9. Kaci Soderstrom

    13/01/2015 at 9:01 am

    Ooh very yummy. I’d take out the mushrooms though as I don’t like them.. everything else sounds amazing though.

    Reply
  10. Susan Joyce Rogers

    07/01/2015 at 11:13 pm

    Great family favourite,a bit different,thanks

    Reply
  11. Jane Middleton

    11/11/2014 at 8:54 pm

    great recipi, love the mushrooms in it

    Reply
  12. David C

    03/11/2014 at 11:59 am

    One of the best brtish dishes! 😀

    Reply
  13. Maddy

    11/10/2014 at 10:45 am

    A classic for a reason 😉

    Reply
  14. William Gould

    19/09/2014 at 9:12 am

    Love it! Can’t beat a bit of good old fashioned stodge, especially on a cold winter’s day!

    Reply
  15. Geoff Clark

    31/07/2014 at 5:34 pm

    Looks like a hearty meal

    Reply
  16. Bev

    13/06/2014 at 9:21 pm

    Planning on following this recipe.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      13/06/2014 at 10:32 pm

      Hope you enjoy it:-)

      Reply
  17. Herbert Appleby

    10/06/2014 at 7:07 pm

    Been in Beijing China for past two weeks so could do with a nice stomach settling classic like this.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      10/06/2014 at 11:47 pm

      Oh dear, sounds like you had a rough time tummy wise!

      Reply
  18. Bev

    02/06/2014 at 1:10 pm

    I can almost smell it!

    Reply
  19. Paul Wilson

    15/04/2014 at 12:20 am

    The Shepherd would have to queue behind me for this.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      17/04/2014 at 9:47 pm

      LOL:-)

      Reply
      • Paul Wilson

        20/09/2014 at 1:30 am

        Thanks, I’m here all week. ;O)

        Reply
  20. Victoria

    04/04/2014 at 6:26 pm

    Yum, that looks great!

    Reply
  21. Paul Wilson

    30/03/2014 at 12:05 am

    Love a nice Shepherd’s Pie.

    Reply
  22. Ursula Hunt

    17/02/2014 at 1:41 pm

    The Grandchildren love shepherds pie

    Reply
  23. Paul Wilson

    16/02/2014 at 2:40 am

    A nice Shepherd’s Pie is just what you need in weather like this.

    Reply
  24. Maya Russell

    08/02/2014 at 6:16 am

    I’m making Shepherd’s Pie today. The recipe I have adds carrot and celery. I don’t have any porcini mushrooms but I will add some English mustard powder as your recipe does. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  25. headsy12

    07/02/2014 at 7:27 pm

    The cottage pie looks lovely and you certainly entered a few comps with it didn’t you.

    Reply
    • headsy12

      07/02/2014 at 7:29 pm

      oops one of us does not know their cottage pie from shepherds pie. lol

      Reply
      • Camilla

        07/02/2014 at 11:37 pm

        Trust me to find the only 2 books to misname it LOL and then adapt the recipes! It’s a poor excuse I know but a genuine one:-)

        Reply
  26. Tracy Nixon

    06/02/2014 at 5:56 am

    I love traditional recipes!

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth

    01/02/2014 at 10:19 am

    I’m a big fan of shepherd’s pie and this flavour combo sounds superb! I get that sinking potato thing happen on occasion too, especially with fish pie. I’ve learned that reducing the milk quantity in the mash helps keep the potatoes on top! Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe with the No Waste Food Challenge!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      01/02/2014 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you Elizabeth:-)

      Reply
  28. clair downham

    01/02/2014 at 9:50 am

    my kids love shepherds pie but I have never tried it with porcini mushrooms so most give it a tryas it looks very yummy

    Reply
  29. Karen

    28/01/2014 at 1:43 pm

    Absolutely DELISH! I adore anything like this and your pie looks the business Camilla!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      30/01/2014 at 2:50 pm

      Thanks Karen, you can’t beat traditional comfort food:-)

      Reply
  30. Tracy Nixon

    27/01/2014 at 5:56 am

    A traditional Winter warmer! Thank you!

    Reply
  31. Corina

    25/01/2014 at 5:17 pm

    I love this but only make it for my daughter as my husband doesn’t like mince or mashed potatoes. I like the idea of putting the dried porcini mushrooms in as they have so much flavour.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      25/01/2014 at 5:20 pm

      Thank you:-)

      Reply
  32. Janine (J9)

    25/01/2014 at 11:37 am

    You can’t beat a Shepherds pie! A cottage pie… Any pie for that matter!! 🙂 Lovely Jubbly!

    Reply
  33. K Mayers

    24/01/2014 at 10:46 pm

    Never eaten Shepherd’s Pie with mushrooms in – porcini at that! I do love mushrooms too – eat them raw 🙂
    I must admit I’ve never thought to put mustard in the recipe either – though perhaps that’s because I have a real fussy bunch of kids.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      24/01/2014 at 10:57 pm

      You really can’t taste the mustard specifically it just adds to the seasoning – the porcini really added a deep rich flavour to the mince though:-)

      Reply
  34. DANIELLE VEDMORE

    24/01/2014 at 5:00 pm

    Ooooh a firm family favourite! Never used dried mushrooms though – will have to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      24/01/2014 at 5:06 pm

      I hadn’t either Danielle but they have a really intense flavour and make a really good store cupboard item:-)

      Reply
  35. Janice

    24/01/2014 at 4:22 pm

    Love the new look Fab Food 4 All and a jolly tasty Shepherd’s pie!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      24/01/2014 at 5:07 pm

      Thank you so much:-) xx

      Reply
  36. Paul Wilson

    24/01/2014 at 9:52 am

    Love a good Shepherd’s Pie.

    Reply
  37. Ursula Hunt

    23/01/2014 at 4:23 pm

    One of my favorite winter warming dishes

    Reply
  38. Coombemill

    22/01/2014 at 3:17 pm

    A perfect winter family meal! Popping by from made with love Mondays

    Reply
    • Camilla

      23/01/2014 at 4:38 pm

      Thanks so much:-)

      Reply
  39. Maya Russell

    22/01/2014 at 6:15 am

    Dried mushrooms always give a good flavour to mince dishes. It looks good and the potato has not sunk!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      22/01/2014 at 8:57 am

      Thanks, I think I need to get a mincer now then I’d make it more often:-)

      Reply
  40. Hafsah

    22/01/2014 at 3:04 am

    Shepard’s pie is my absolute favourite food! I love it, but haven’t had it for a while!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      22/01/2014 at 8:58 am

      Yes I always liked it but it’s not something my mum ever made as she’s Danish so remember it from school mainly!

      Reply
  41. su tyler

    21/01/2014 at 11:26 pm

    I often make Shepards pie. Although I usually use left over lamb or lamb mince. I add some Worcestershire sauce instead of mustard.
    A drop of Reggae Reggae sauce gives it good kick too.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      22/01/2014 at 9:00 am

      I add Worcester Sause to my Minced Beef & Ondions so that makes sense, the Porcini Mushrooms had such a strong flavour that I don’t think it was needed in this particular dish.

      Reply
  42. Elaine Livingstone

    21/01/2014 at 11:17 pm

    well done on biting the bullet and being brave enough to overcome your childhood fear of this wonderful dish. Maybe it can become a staple in your home. They taste better on day 2 I always feel, once the flavours have had time to mingle

    Reply
    • Camilla

      22/01/2014 at 9:01 am

      That would be a problem having any leftover as everyone wanted more so I think making it the day before would be the best solution in that case:-)

      Reply
  43. Herbert Appleby

    21/01/2014 at 11:12 pm

    what a great choice, just right to give us the ready-break feeling at tea time as winter sets in. Your one looks really juicy and tasty as well with the super deep filling in it. : )

    Reply
    • Camilla

      22/01/2014 at 9:03 am

      Thanks. You wouldn’t get such a deep filling in a shop bought one that’s for sure!

      Reply
  44. Javelin Warrior

    21/01/2014 at 9:17 pm

    Shepherd’s pie is always one of my favorite comfort foods – what’s better than beef with tomatoes and potatoes? And even better, it can be made with leftovers from the fridge… Deliciousness, Camilla!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      21/01/2014 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks Mark, it’s good to recycle food isn’t it:-)

      Reply
  45. mellissa williams

    21/01/2014 at 7:05 pm

    This looks really delicious and perfect warming dish for the horrible weather we have been having.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      21/01/2014 at 10:10 pm

      Thanks, lets hope it doesn’t get any colder!

      Reply

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