At our house, we love pizza. We also love mashed potatoes. We also love meat…and I love coming up with new ways to combine recipes that are already family favorites! This meat lover’s shepherd’s pie is the perfect combination of meat lover’s pizza and classic shepherd’s pie. It’s made with piles of sweet, savory, and spicy meat, all the veggies you want, tomato sauce, homemade mashed potatoes, cheese, and so much flavor! You’ve got to be kidding me. This recipe was a winner before I even started!
What is the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, they do have one key difference: the meat! Technically, shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb while cottage pie uses ground beef. This meat lover’s shepherd’s pie recipe doesn’t use ground beef or ground lamb. It does, however, follow the same format as shepherd’s pie and cottage pie—meat cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes. Instead, though, we use Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, and bacon!
Meat Lover’s Shepherd’s Pie ingredients:
I love recipes that don’t require exact measurements…and this meat lover’s shepherd’s pie is very forgiving! I’ve given you the measurements I used, but if you want to double up on the meat, swap something out for another favorite, or add a bunch of veggies, you totally can! Here’s what you’ll need:
Bacon, Italian Sausage, Diced Ham, and Diced Pepperoni: the classic “meat lovers” meat combination. Onion: you’ll need ½ of a medium-sized onion, diced and sautéed with the bacon and sausage to add a layer of sweet, caramel-y flavor. Oregano: adds an undertone of sweet, peppery earthiness. Minced Garlic: gives the meat sauce a kick of flavor. Frozen Spinach: thawed and drained. Tomato Sauce: creates a sweet, flavorful base for the meat filling. Diced Tomatoes with Italian Spices: make sure you drain the liquid from the can. Mushrooms, Peppers, Shredded Carrots, or Other Veggies: optional but adding veggies is a great way to sneak some extra nutrition into the shepherd’s pie! Potatoes: I recommend using Russet potatoes for the best results. Their fluffy consistency makes them easy to mash and they become deliciously light and fluffy in the shepherd’s pie. Butter: adds flavor depth to the mashed potatoes. Milk: makes the mashed potatoes ultra silky and smooth. Garlic Powder: transforms classic mashed potatoes into garlic mashed potatoes! Chicken Bouillon: an optional addition to the mashed potatoes. I love to mix this in to add another layer of flavor. Shredded Cheese: I use shredded cheddar, but you can use any cheese you like! I recommend shredding it yourself so it melts better. Green Onion: optional, for garnish.
How to make Meat Lovers Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty, kid-approved, delicious dinner is ready in just 45 minutes—cook time included!
Variations/substitutions for meat lovers shepherd’s pie
Add veggies. You can use whatever veggies you like! I’ve used mushrooms, peppers, and shredded carrots but you could try adding peas, corn, parsnips, broccoli florets, zucchini, you name it. Whatever you use, be sure that the veggies are cut small enough that they cook evenly and fully and incorporate well with the other ingredients. Use another meat. I love the Italian sausage, bacon, ham, and pepperoni combo but you can use any combination you like. Swap any of the meat out for ground lamb, beef, turkey, chicken, etc. Use other mashed potatoes. If you have a different mashed potato recipe that you love, feel free to use that! You could also check out my slow cooker mashed potatoes, my cream cheese mashed potatoes, or my cheesy make ahead mashed potatoes! Store-bought mashed potatoes are always an option, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite as good. Give it another flavor. Instead, check out my Mexican shepherd’s pie, my BBQ chili shepherd’s pie, or my creamy turkey shepherd’s pie!
Serving suggestions
This meat lover’s shepherd’s pie is delicious on its own but I also love to serve it with a side of breadsticks, dinner rolls, or with a simple green salad.
Can shepherd’s pie be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! To make this recipe ahead of time, simply assemble as directed, bring to room temperature, then cover and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding time as needed until the pie is cooked through.
How to store
Finished shepherd’s pie will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge (if frozen), then microwave, warm on the stove, or cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through. Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again. Register Now Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
