Shepherd's Pie

"Shepherd's Pie" is one of our favorite comfort meals. I use quotations because it isn't a "technical" Shepherd's Pie, but what many Americans refer to with the same name. (Sorry, UK!) I guess it's actually a Cottage Pie...Potato, potahto. It is savory and filling and one of John's childhood favorites! It's also a great affordable dinner! In the January 2026 economy, the cost is about $13-14(if I use ground chicken, which is typically $3.99/lb) 

I always double it and make two 9x13 dishes at once and and it feeds our family of 4 for at least 2 days + a few servings for work lunches for less than $30!

Shepherd's Pie:

Ingredients:

13.75 Oz. Box of prepared Instant Mashed Potatoes(or a big batch of homemade mashed potatoes)*bigger box if doubling

2lbs ground chicken or ground beef

2 cans cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup(or combine the two)

2 cans of canned French style green beans(or any combination of veggies, we like to add corn, too, canned carrots would work as well!)

1 bag shredded cheese(we like Colby Jack for this recipe, but sometimes I use fresh grated cheddar for the better melt!)

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°

Make a whole box of instant mashed potatoes

Brown 2lbs of hamburger or ground chicken(whatever is on sale!) and drain grease.

Mix with 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and line the bottom of the pan with meat mixture

Top with 2 cans of drained French style green beans(you can use any canned veggies of your choice here!)

Top with prepared mashed potatoes and cheese(we use shredded Colby jack)

Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is browning up! 

Notes:

*I season at each stage-while browning the meat, while making the potatoes(I add garlic powder), and while putting the mixture together with the veggies

**I like to put my baking dishes on a cookie sheet because sometimes it can bubble over and nobody wants to clean burnt cheese out of their oven!!

***I always double this recipe and make 2 at a time so we have leftovers because it is just as good the next day or packed for lunches!