Cottage pie and shepherd’s pie are always lumped together when we think of a homemade pie with mashed potato on top. Is the name interchangeable, or is there a specific difference between the two?
Both of these pies are hearty and full of delicious gravy, making them the perfect choice for dinner on a cold winter’s night. Whether you love to slow-cook, or you’re a big fan of a quick one-pot recipe, a pie works every which way during the colder months.
Let’s take a look at the main ingredients and method of these two pies, and see if they’re actually the same thing.
What is a shepherd’s pie?
A shepherd’s pie is a British dish that first appeared in the 1800s. A traditional shepherd’s pie usually includes a mashed potato topping and a minced lamb and vegetable filling.
The vegetables can be anything that you would consider including in a pie or Sunday roast – think onion, peas, carrots and potatoes. The mashed potato topping can sometimes include grated cheese to add a melted, cheesy texture.
Here are some of our favourite shepherd’s pie recipes:
What is a cottage pie?
A cottage pie is almost the same as a cottage pie, except for the type of meat. Cottage pies do not typically use minced or ground lamb, instead, they usually have beef mince. Sometimes, the mashed potato topping on a cottage pie is replaced with potato slices instead.
Check out all of our best cottage pie recipes below:
What’s the difference between cottage and shepherd’s pie?
So, the only significant difference between a cottage and shepherd’s pie is the type of meat used; for shepherd’s it’s lamb and for cottage it’s beef. Historically, shepherd’s pie and cottage pie have been used interchangeably – it is only recently that recipes and food writers have specified a difference.
How to add variety to your cottage or shepherd’s pie
If you’re tired of the usual meat, gravy, vegetable and mashed potato pie, we’ve got a couple of ways you can change it up:
- Add different vegetables: Peas and carrots, while fridge staples, can get a little boring. Instead, why don’t you switch it up and add in green beans, parsnips or leeks? Think about whatever works in your Sunday roast, because it’ll work perfectly here too.
- Skip the meat entirely: For all the vegetarians out there, and those who just don’t want to pay for meat, try a vegetarian cottage pie instead. It’ll taste just as flavourful, and have all the hidden nutrients that are great for the kids.
- Incorporate other cuisines: If you love spices and aromatics, then a shepherd’s pie may not have enough seasoning for you. Try out adding in different flavour profiles, such as a curried shepherd’s pie or a Tex-Mex cottage pie. You could also sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over your finished pie, or change up your gravy by adding red wine.
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