Who doesn't love potatoes?! Today I present to you my smashed potato shepherd's pie courtesy of my brand ambassadorship with The Little Potato Company.
This is a sponsored post. I was fortunate enough to receive products and/or monetary compensation from The Little Potato Company. Though products were received, all opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product that I did not enjoy.
In my childhood, spaghetti, lasagna, and shepherd's pie were traditional meals in our household.
Pretty hearty meals and perfect for a family of five.
However, they were anything but "traditional." My dad dislikes onions to the max. So, not only did our meals contain no onions, he actually strained store-bought sauces to make sure he got rid of all the dehydrated onions... Yeah, I am surprised we are all not picky eaters. Surprisingly, only my mom and dad are the crazy ones when it comes to food. However, had we come out picky eaters, you would know why 😉
My smashed potato shepherd's pie is nowhere near my parents' creation!
First off, from my research online, I realize this smashed potato shepherd's pie is technically a cottage pie, but my parents have always called it shepherd's pie (shepherd's pie= lamb chunks, cottage pie= ground beef.) Now that that is cleared up, let me explain my parents' version. Nothing wrong with it at all; my brother and sister still love it to this day!
They would brown the ground beef and pour in about 6 cans of Campbell's condensed vegetable soup. They would then add some water to balance it all out, scoop it into a pan, top it with mashed potatoes, and finalize it with cheese. I should really get around to making it their way to show you a quick and easy dinner recipe. UPDATE: My easy shepherd's pie with Campbell's soup recipe is now live! Like I said, nothing wrong with the recipe, just... plain. Nowadays, my brother, sister, and I tend to go for a bit more creative ingredients (thankfully my brother broke away from my dad's instilling of "onions are terrible," and almost loves to cook as much as me!)
I knew immediately that this smashed potato shepherd's pie would be full of fresh ingredients, and packed full of flavor!
Mr. TCW never complains about beer in his food. Or in his hand while he does house renovations! From previous experience I have worked with beer successfully and thought it would lend great flavor to this dish. According to Mr. TCW? Perfect! He was so happy with this recipe that he had some for dinner and then another helping for lunch that night (working midnight's makes things confusing.) Pretty sure he ate this recipe for 3 days with no complaints!
Then I made myself a vegetarian shepherd's pie and he had it some more, but stated he preferred the meat version (psh, I thought my meatless version was amazing!) He is also a BIG potato lover, so it is no surprise that he ate this meal for days with no complaints. Seriously, he could be full and still somehow eat a bunch of potatoes. It actually terrifies me! So when he heard I would be working with The Little Potato Company and their Creamer potatoes, he was prepared to marry me all over again!
UPDATE: I have made a tutorial video for this recipe! Be sure to check it out!
Now, Mr. TCW always likes hearing "did you know" facts. I have no trouble sharing with him info on Little Potatoes and what Creamer potatoes are.
What are Creamer potatoes? Creamer potatoes are NOT baby potatoes.
Don't worry, I was mistaken, too, at first. Creamer potatoes are actually mature potatoes that are just little. They are picked at full maturity for maximum flavor, and the best part? Bite-sized potatoes with no lacking of flavors or taste! I have used a wide varietal of Little Potatoes, and they are true to their facts: the Creamer potatoes are buttery, tasty, and packed full of nutrients! This smashed potato shepherd's pie recipe has been made numerous times now, the first time with Baby Boomer, and this time around with Blushing Belle.
I chose the Blushing Belle for a couple of reasons. The first being the color of the potato. I loved the red outside and yellow flesh. Secondly, Blushing Belle are easily adaptable and great for roasting and mashing (which are common in shepherd's pies.) I love all the Creamer potatoes that The Little Potato Company offers, and I highly suggest checking out all their products (ever worked with Something Blue potatoes before?! They have a beautiful blue/purple skin and I cannot wait to try them!)
📖 Recipe
Smashed Potato Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)
A hearty and delicious dinner that will surely be welcomed as leftovers! This smashed potato shepherd's pie is perfect for those looking for something fancier 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Little Potato Company's Blushing Belle
- Salt and pepper
- ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper OR ¼ tsp. paprika
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
Filling
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz mushrooms, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
- ½ tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 cup beer OR beef broth
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for GF meal.)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Smashed Potatoes
- Add potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until just fork tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking. Using a spatula, place the flat end over one potato at a time and press down with your hand to "smash" them.
Filling
- NOTE: To save time you can place your veggies into a food processor to chop them finely (don't go overboard as they will turn to mush!)
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add your ground beef . Cook for 2 minutes and stir in onion, celery, carrot, garlic, mushrooms, and red pepper. Cook until all meat has browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano. Stir in flour, Worcestershire, and tomato paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in beer (or broth if using in place of alcohol) and scrape any bits from the bottom of pan. Simmer for a few minutes and add corn and peas.
Assembly
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Pour the filling into a large casserole pan (9x13.) Top with smashed potatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cayenne (paprika for the non-spicy version.)
- Place into the oven and cook for 10 minutes, uncovered. Sprinkle cheese on top and continue cooking for another 10-20 minutes, or when potatoes are nicely browned.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve!
Notes
You can save time prepping vegetables by adding them to a food processor. Just be careful not to process too much or everything will be mush. For people who do not want to use alcohol, beef broth is a great substitute! Any kind of cheddar cheese will work here (we prefer a sharp, old, white cheese.)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 618Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 624mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 55g
This meal is fast and easy, as long as you prep all your veggies in advance. Not a beer lover? Omit it altogether! Gluten allergy? Use cornstarch instead of flour and make sure you choose a gluten-free beer. Also, omit the cheese topping and this meal is completely dairy-free (the Creamer potatoes are so buttery on their own, you won't need any other dairy here!) How awesome is that?!
Instead of using the smashed potato route, you could easily mash these Creamer potatoes. I wanted to be different and let's be honest, mashing these potatoes would taste just as good, but then we do not get to see the versatile nature of these Creamer potatoes (and we would hide the uniqueness of which is the Blushing Belle.)
This is a sponsored post. I was fortunate enough to receive products and/or monetary compensation from The Little Potato Company. Though products were received, all opinions are my own and I would not recommend a product that I did not enjoy.
Love this smashed potato shepherd's pie?! Try some of these recipes:
General Tso's Potatoes and Chicken
kristy @ the wicked noodle
First of all, I adore potatoes. Secondly, this twist on Shepherd's Pie is brilliant! And third, your photos are gorgeous! You've done these potatoes proud 🙂
Kacey
I am so glad! You can never go wrong with Shepherd's Pie, but a twist on a classic is always nice 🙂
Mary Ellen
Love that you used little potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. Can't wait to try this!
Kacey
Thanks!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel
This is such a great idea! I love the new twist on a classic. Love those Little Potatoes! We always called it Shepherd's Pie too, even though it was always with beef. Pinned!
Kacey
I never knew any differently until I ran along some "interesting" comments on certain social media platforms. I will still continue to call it Shepard's Pie!
Beth
Meat and potatoes, this is my kind of meal! Pinning to make!
Kacey
A very staple classic in my opinion 🙂
rachel
I love boiling them and then roasting them in olive oil (smashed potatoes!).
Kacey
Definitely a favourite of many! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Becky | The Cookie Rookie
This looks like the absolute perfect comfort food! I need to make this asap!
Kacey
It was the perfect comfort food during this very long winter!
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa
Oh I'm LOVING the idea of putting smashed potatoes on top of shepard's pie - I seriously would never have though of that! I'm going to have to give this a try...and maybe add a little in there quinoa too 😉
Kacey
Haha, I do love me some quinoa, but I know you LOVE it even more 🙂
sarah
with lentil loaf!
amanda @ fake ginger
The smashed potatoes on top are GENIUS! I don't love mashed potatoes but I loooooove the flavor of shepherd's pie so I'm totally trying it this way next time! Looks amazing!
Kacey
I am glad I can appease non-mashed potato lovers!
Nicole @ Or Whatever You Do
Oh man!! This looks like something I could actually dive head-first into. YUM. I love revamping my old favorite childhood meals! So fun! I really love the changes you made to this, and using smashed potatoes instead of mashed is genius! Those potatoes are called Klondike Rose where I'm at, and they are my favorite too, whatever brand they come from. I'm definitely going to look for these little nuggets though! Love the tiny size!
Alice
I love the smashed potatoes on top! I learned a couple of years ago that I have really been making "Cottage Pie" for a long time too 🙂 LOL
Tonia from TheGunnySack
I love The Little Potato Company's potatoes! They actually sell them in our small town grocery store. Your shepherds pie sounds delicious1
Kacey
We are lucky to have them in our small town, too 🙂
Kelley
Umm.. mind blown over the cottage pie and shepherds pie difference! Apparently I have been making cottage pie my whole life. Whoa 😉 Great recipe Kacey! It looks heavenly!
Kacey
Thanks, Kelley! I love learning new facts too, but still going to call it Shepard's Pie!
Maggie C
Your blog is full of wonderufl information and recipe! Thank you.
I would make a creamy sheppards pie!
Kacey
Thanks so much for the lovely comment, and for stopping by 🙂
Lori Jackson
Mashed potatoes and the Sheppard pie looks divine!!!
Kacey
Thank you!
Joanie @ ZagLeft
I love that you didn't use mashed potatoes in this dish. I love shephards (cottage) pie but would rather not use mashed potatoes. This dish looks so cheesy, hearty and delicious!
Kacey
I am truly surprised at how many people are telling me they do not care for mashed potatoes! Glad I can help everyone out!
J Cabral
love The Little Potato Company’s potatoes
David
My sister-in-law always makes these little salt crusted potatoes that are delicious. I would have to get the recipe from her.
Gene D
I would season them to perfection
Ashley
I would pan fry them with some onions and peppers and make home fries.
Kacey
Home fries are my dad's specialty, so I totally agree!
Brenda Penton
I'd make loaded buffalo chicken casserole with them. The smashed potato shepherds pie look so good! I need to make this!
Kacey
Your buffalo chicken casserole sounds amazing! Thanks for stopping by!
Clarissa
I would cook soooo much mashed potatoes!! 🙂
Josh S
Oven roasted meat & potatos.
Maggie K.
I would use them for roast potatoes in duck fat.
elliot s.
I would pan roast them
andrea amy
I normally roast them in the oven with garlic, salt and pepper
Jazzmin Kaita
I would bake them in the oven and then top it with mashed avocado.
Kacey
I find myself putting avocado on everything, so this idea really intrigues me!
Amy Heffernan
I would bake them golden with some veggies!
Laura H
I would make garlic mashed potatoes, but also this shepherd's pie!
Amy C
I would roast them with cheese and spices
Heidi c.
I would roast them with a garlic parmesan pesto. Your recipe sounds and looks so good!
Kacey
Thanks so much!
Brittany Koelmel
I would do so many things! I would love to have them in a pot pie though!
Belinda McNabb
I would roast them in the oven with cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. I would add a bit of olive oil and spices to it all
Rebby
I'd roast them with olive oil, rosemary, lemon and sea salt! YUM!
nicolthepickle
I would bake them and serve with butter and salt. Simple I know, but my favourite.
Your recipe looks amazing btw.
Nicole
As smashed potatoes on top of meatloaf.
Florence C
I would grease them with butter and roast them.
Stephanie
I would roast them in the oven with rosemary and garlic
Karla Sceviour
roasted in the oven
tanyab79
Roasted in the oven with spices along with carrots and chicken....yum yum.
Wendy hutton
I would roast them with butter and hergs
Cheryl
I would put these in the crockpot with a roast! I have had them before and they are so good, I would also smash them up with tons and tons of butter
George Urban
Winter's Comfort Food - nothing beats homemade beef stew with fresh mini-potatoes. Enjoyed same in PEI, now a creature of habit and certain foods can be beat, and this is one of them.
George Urban
Pam
I would like to experiment with a new recipe on the barbeque.
Lori Bazan
I am definitely trying this recipe! Looks amazing! I am also on the hunt for a creamy dill hot potato recipe if anyone has!
Kacey
I might have to try my hand at a creamy dill hot potato recipe! Cannot believe I used to hate fresh dill.
Juliee Fitze
I would roast them with oil , garlic and parm. cheese.
Wanda Bergman
I would slice and pan-fry them.
summer plewes
considering we love shepards pie I would love to try out this recipe!! other than that these would be going right into a roast chicken recipe we love.
Kacey
Sounds awesome, Summer! Thanks for stopping by.
Debbie S.
I would cook mine on the bbq wrapped in tinfoil with butter, with some dill weed, a little bit of chopped onions and a sprinkle of pepper.
Tammy Dalley
I would roast them in the oven topped with butter
Yuen C
I would use my air fryer and cook them
Carol M (Lushka S)
I would roast them, maybe add a bit of duck fat.
Annette
I'd roast them then toss in hot olive oil with minced garlic until slightly brown.
Andrew P
I'd roast them in the oven and the Smashed Potato Shepherd's Pie looks great. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
This is an awesome shepherd's pie. My hubby would love the meat version, and I'd be more than happy to eat the vegan version, LOL. The Creamer potatoes must taste wonderful in here.
Kacey
They made the dish! Thanks for stopping by, Cindy!
debi
Kacey,
are those little sage leaves on top in your photo??
tks!
Kacey
I actually had to double check because they sure look like sage leaves! They are just large oregano leaves 🙂 I did sprinkle some fresh thyme onto it afterwards.