What's the Difference Between a Shepherd's Pie and a Cottage Pie?

The difference lies in the meat. Shepherd's pie is traditionally made with lamb. Cottage pie uses beef. This is the main difference. Both dishes share similarities. However, the type of meat is key. Therefore, lamb or beef determines the type of pie.

Why is My Shepherd's Pie Soupy?

A shepherd's pie can be soupy if the sauce is not thickened enough. Ensure you cook the sauce until it reduces slightly. You can add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Alternatively, ensure you drain excess fat from meat. You can also reduce the amount of liquid. Therefore, use a thickening agent for a proper pie.

What Was Originally in Shepherd's Pie?

Originally, shepherd's pie was made with leftover cooked meat. Lamb was the most common choice. The meat was mixed with vegetables and gravy. It was topped with mashed potatoes. This was a way to use up leftovers. Therefore, it was originally a sustainable dish.

What is a Shepherd's Pie Called When It Is Made From Beef?

When shepherd's pie is made from beef, it's called a cottage pie. The change in meat creates a new dish. Therefore, remember this key distinction. Always note the meat to identify each pie. This is an important aspect of the name.

Shepherd's Pie Soup: Hearty Recipe & Easy Tips

Description

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a hearty, comforting twist on the classic casserole, featuring savory ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes all in one cozy bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef or lamb

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 cup frozen peas

3 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)

Optional: shredded cheese and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are soft.

3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.

5. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

6. Add prepared mashed potatoes and stir until soup is creamy and well combined. Thin with extra broth or milk if needed.

7. Serve hot, topped with cheese and parsley if desired.

Notes

Make it vegetarian by using lentils and vegetable broth instead of meat.

Leftovers reheat well and thicken into a chowder-like texture.

Great for meal prep—store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for later.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: shepherd's pie soup, hearty soup, mashed potato soup, ground beef soup