What is the Difference Between Shepherd Pie and Cottage Pie

The main difference between shepherd pie and cottage pie is in the meat; shepherd pie contains lamb while cottage pie contains beef.

Both shepherd pie and cottage pie are two types of meat pies that contain a layer of mashed potatoes on the top. In the past, there was no difference between these two names, and they were used as synonyms. But today, shepherd pie is mainly associated with lamb.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Shepherd Pie 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Cottage Pie
     – Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Shepherd Pie and Cottage Pie
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Shepherd Pie and Cottage Pie
     – Comparison of Key Differences

What is Shepherd Pie

Shepherd pie is a classic dish containing minced meat under a mashed potato topping. Lamb is the meat typically used in shepherd pies.  Traditionally, this dish was made as a way to use leftover lamb, but you can even make this recipe without leftover lamb. Today, many people make them with ground lamb, readily available in most supermarkets.

This originates from Scotland and Northern England. Although most of us cover the meat with potatoes, in Scotland, the meat is sometimes topped with pastry. Generally, the key to this recipe is making great mashed potato layer at the top. If the potatoes are not done well, the whole dish will fall apart. Some people also line the bottom of the dish with potatoes and then place a layer of meat before topping with more potatoes. There are many variations of shepherd pies. Basically, the shepherded pie is an attempt to balance simple meat with mashed potatoes.

What is Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is also a dish consisting of a layer of minced meat covered with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. The difference between shepherd pie and cottage pie is that cottage pie usually uses minced beef. There are many variations of this recipe. Some people also add vegetables like celery, carrots, peas, and sweetcorn to the filling. Some also add a layer of cheese on the top of the pie. Scots also used to make this dish with pastry instead of potatoes. Furthermore, vegetarians and vegans have a meat-free version of this pie. This is known as the shepherdless pie.

Originally, the name cottage pie was used to refer to any pie containing meat and mashed potatoes. Moreover, back in the day, potatoes were affordable for even peasants, who lived in cottages. In fact, this is how the name cottage pie came into being. Interestingly, the name cottage pie predates the name shepherd pie by nearly a century, but for a long time, these were synonyms, and there was no difference between the two.

Similarities Between Shepherd Pie and Cottage Pie

• Both shepherd pie and cottage pie contain a layer of minced meat covered with a thick layer of mashed potatoes.
• It’s not easy to identify them by just looking at them.
• At one time in history, these two names were synonyms and referred to any pie containing meat and mashed potatoes.

Difference Between Shepherd Pie and Cottage Pie

Definition

Shepherd pie is a classic dish containing minced lamb under a mashed potato topping while cottage pie is a dish containing minced meat under a mashed potato topping.

Type of Meat

While shepherd pie contains lamb, cottage pie contains beef.

History

The term cottage pie dates back to 1791, whereas the term shepherd pie came into use almost a century later.

Conclusion

The main difference between shepherd pie and cottage pie is in the meat; shepherd pie contains lamb while cottage pie contains beef.

Reference:

1. “10 Things You Didn’t Know about Shepherd’s Pie.” Jamie Oliver, 30 June 2020, Available here.
2. “Shepherd’s Pie.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Nov. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Bermuda (UK) image number 123 Shepherds Pie dinner dish at restaurant” By Tomwsulcer – Own work, CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1620759” (CC0) via Pxhere