Easy Weeknight Shepherds Pie

Ahhh, shepherd's pie. Shepherd's pie is one of those dishes, that is unapologetically comforting, and no fuss. I mean, anything topped with a fluffy layer of decadent mashed potatoes is automatically a winner for me, but I promise you, mashed potatoes aside, this easy weeknight shepherd's pie is perfection.

This easy weeknight shepherd's pie can be assembled in the same cast iron skillet you make the filling in, or transferred into a baking dish if you're feeling fancy! If you have taken a good look around here, ya girl loves to serve and cook in her cast iron skillet, so I say go for it!

What Makes a Shepherd's Pie, Well, A Shepherd's Pie?

Traditionally, shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb. While lamb is delicious, I don't cook too much with it at home. If you are like me, fret not! I made this weeknight shepherd's pie with ground chicken, which is not only untraditional, but also a great way to lighten up traditional fattier meats. Truth be told, use whatever your heart desires - most meats take on whatever you flavour them with, and I am sure whatever you choose will still taste delicious!

The Best Mashed Potato Topping? I Got You!

One of the things that make this shepherd's pie a weeknight friendly meal, is the fact that I use my handy-dandy 15 minute InstantPot mashed potatoes! In the time it takes you to cook and mash the potatoes, your filling will be ready to go. The key to keeping the mashed potatoes firm as a topping, is to add an egg to the mix before topping the filling. It works, trust me!

Variations? Of Course, We Love Options!

So we have come to the conclusion that a good shepherd's pie has an abundance of mashed potatoes, and can be made with any kind of protein, but now what? Try these variations if you'd like:

• Make this vegetarian by using lentils and mushrooms, and scrap the meat!
• Add cheese to the top for an extra decadent, bubbly touch
• Try some of my variations that I suggested in my 15 minute InstantPot mashed potatoes recipe