
Shepherd's Pie is a savory British comfort dish made with a base of minced meat (traditionally lamb for Shepherd's Pie, beef for Cottage Pie) cooked in a rich gravy with vegetables, topped with a layer of fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It's a hearty, one-dish meal that originated as a way to use leftover roasted meat.
This dish is a balanced meal, providing a good mix of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fats from the cooking process and dairy in the mash. A typical serving offers substantial energy, along with key nutrients like iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
The name 'Shepherd's Pie' is a direct nod to its origins, as shepherds would use leftover lamb. Nutritionally, it's a complete meal in a single dish, combining protein, starchy carbs, and vegetables, which made it a practical and filling option for working families.