12 Twists on Shepherd's Pie

Updated March 16, 2020
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Few things more comforting than meat, gravy, and vegetables slathered with a thick, creamy topping of mashed potatoes (or other starch). Although shepherd's pie is easy to make from basic pantry and freezer staples, it can be anything but boring. Try these takes on an old favorite for a quick and easy supper tonight.

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Upside-Down Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Upside-Down Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This super-speedy dish flips traditional shepherd's pie on its head — literally. Simply simmer cooked ground beef with root vegetables, herbs, and a gravy made from beef stock and flour. Microwave cubed potatoes until soft, then mash with milk and top with the beef mixture.

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Easy Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie

Credit: Jen Causey; Prop Styling: Kay Clark; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Easy Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Shepherd's pie just got easier. This comfort dish takes advantage of a few shortcuts that don’t lesson the flavor or quality of the meal, like refrigerated mashed potatoes and pico de gallo, so you can get dinner on the table fast. Make sure to brown your meat nicely, since it builds flavor. Substitute cheddar cheese for pepper jack, if you prefer it. 

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Meatball Shepherd's Pie

Credit: James Carrier

Meatball Shepherd's Pie Recipe

This hearty pie calls for meatballs instead of the traditional browned ground beef, while cream cheese, Gruyère cheese, and dry sherry add richness and subtle flavor.

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Cauliflower Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Blakeslee Giles; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Cauliflower Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Nobody would dare turn down a dish this savory or satisfying. The mixture of Yukon potatoes and cauliflower makes for a topping that’s almost velvety, while the combination of lamb and meat provides A-plus flavor and taste. Lamb tenderloin can be hard to find, but you can buy lamb chops or lamb rib chops and cut the meat off the bone—or, you could substitute more beef for the lamb and turn this into a cauliflower cottage pie.

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Shepherd's Pie with Potato Crust

Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Shepherd's Pie with Potato Crust Recipe

This eye-catching variation on shepherd's pie calls for thinly sliced white and sweet potatoes instead of the traditional layer of mashed potatoes.

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Easy Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

There's no shame in shortcuts! Six ingredients are all you need for this streamlined shepherd's pie: ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, frozen veggies, shredded cheese, and prepared mashed potatoes.

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Moroccan Shepherd's Pie

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Moroccan Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Sweet potatoes provide a nice foil for the full-flavored lamb, tangy olives, and earthy spices. You can also bake the entire mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish. Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

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One-Pan Portabella Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Colin Price

One-Pan Portabella Mushroom Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Just because you're vegetarian doesn't mean missing out on all the shepherd's pie fun. This dish substitutes Portabella mushroom caps for the usual ground beef for a hearty, decadent, and delicious weeknight supper.

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Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Karen Shinto

Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Brilliant orange roasted pumpkin replaces the traditional mashed-potato topping here, giving new life to classic English pub grub.

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Keto Shepherd’s Pie

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Keto Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Swapping in a cheesy cauliflower mash for carb-rich white potatoes makes this family favorite keto-friendly, while keeping it every bit as hearty and comforting as you want a shepherd’s pie to be. 

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Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Shepherd's Pie)

Credit: Monica buck

Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Shepherd's Pie) Recipe

Like a Chilean shepherd's pie, pastel de choclo tops spiced ground beef with a puréed corn crust. You can prepare the pies through step 5 up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill. It may take up to 10 minutes longer to bake the cold pies, and broiling may not be needed to brown tops. Use purchased refrigerated grilled chicken breast pieces or grill your own.

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Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Lentil Shepherd's Pie Recipe

The bulgur releases just enough starch to bind the lentil- and mushroom-packed filling together. The skin of the potato contains about half the total fiber; we love the rustic edge and earthiness it adds to our creamy tater topper.

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