This recipe offers an Italian twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe. Don’t worry though because this version checks all the boxes for this classic comfort dish.

Shepherd’s pie is one of my favorite winter comfort food meals. There is something so comforting about the mix of beef, vegetables and a mashed potato topping. I’ve lightened it up before with a cauliflower carrot topping {a must try} but my most recent switch up came in the form of Italian Shepherd’s pie.

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is a casserole dish made of ground lamb and vegetables that is topped with mashed potatoes and then baked. Shepherd’s pie, also heavily though to be Shephard’s pie, is extremely popular in England, Australia, and New Zealand. This version, made with ground beef, would technically be considered cottage pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Pure comfort food! This recipe sticks to the roots of a classic cottage pie which is makes it perfect for the day you are craving comfort food.
• Delicious Italian influence. This Italian inspired Shepherd’s pie has the classic delicious vegetables like carrots and onions but adds in dried Italian specials. Even the mashed potatoes get a little upgrade with the addition of garlic.
• Freezer Friendly. I usually double the recipe and divide them between two casserole dishes. I bake one for eating and freezer the other, unbaked, for later. Simply defrost overnight in the fridge and bake for a perfect weeknight meal in a pinch.
• Lots of variations possible.
  • You can easily substitute the ground beef for the classic ground lamb. Or, you can do half and half (perfect if you are doubling the recipe).
  • You can add in additional vegetables like peas or green beans.
  • Change the seasonings.

Ingredients for Italian Inspired Cottage Pie:

• Ground meat – This recipe is written using ground beef which is what is traditionally used in cottage pie. If you want a more traditional Shepherd’s pie, substitute with ground lamb.
• Vegetables – I use diced onion and carrots. You can easily use your favorite vegetables in place of these.
• Garlic – Garlic is used in two places in this recipe: fresh garlic in the casserole and garlic powder in the mashed potato topping.
• Seasonings – You will need salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for this recipe. I have also used the Italian sofrito from Trader Joe’s in place of regular Italian seasoning with great success.
• Tomatoes – You will need stewed tomatoes (regular or the basil ones) and tomato paste.
• Beef broth – I usually use beef bone broth for extra richness but regular beef broth will do fine.
• Mushrooms – I love mushrooms in my shephard’s pie but feel free to leave them out if you aren’t a fan.
• Mashed potatoes – Use you favorite store bought brand or try this homemade version.
• Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a hint of sharpness to the richness of the garlic mashed potatoes.

This is a dish my whole family loves. The cheese in the potatoes just adds the perfect little bit of extra flavor. My daughter adds some extra cheese on top of hers too. 

If you love this Italian inspired take on a classic Shepherd’s pie, be sure to check out these other great comfort food recipes:

• Gnocchi Carbonara
• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Chicken Marsala Casserole
• Chicken with Herby Wine Sauce

If you make this Italian cottage pie recipe or any other recipe from the blog, I would love to hear about your experience. Leave me a comment below or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Facebook. And be sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest board too.