i use a can of tomato soup in this instead of ketchup...also add diced carrots and peas for color and sweetness instead of mixed veggies. and ground lamb is an excellent substitute for the beef!

I drained the ground beef before I added the veggies (I thought it was a little to greasy otherwise). I also added Worcestershire sauce and substituted Guinness for the water (1/4 cup) for a richer taste. The great thing about this dish is that you can use left over mashed potates and veggies and cook on a night when you don't really want to put too much effort into cooking!

does anyone know if the ketchup is a must? i am not so sure how well it would turn out with the whole pie!

does anyone know if the ketchup is a must? i am not so sure how well it would turn out with the whole pie!

One of my favorite dishes! If you add a 1/2 cup of beef stock instead of water you get a lovely gravy like taste to the sauce. I've added sausage to mine for a new twist. You can also do a ground turkey or chicken version, omit the ketchup and use a little Worchester sauce or soy sauce. You can also use up any left over gravy to make your sauce. A splash of wine is always a good flavor boost. Any left over veg you have goes well in here. Have fun trying your own version.

So delicious! Slight correction though for those who enjoy working from their EF mags... it's from Everyday Food, November 2006.

Deeeeelish%21

Very good recipe! I used both Worchester sauce and tomato ketchup, and mushrooms instead of frozen vegies. Kids loved it.

I generally use either shaved carrots or corn instead of mixed veggies. Then, when I have about ten minutes left, I sprinkle the top of the potatoes with some shredded Cheddar cheese. It is truly scrumptious!!

could i use a creamed corn with the vegies?

Sooo Good! I used HP sauce (brown sauce- UK version of catsup) instead of catsup and worchester. I also added mushrooms for more of a meaty flavor. Easy to make and tasted awesome.

I doubled the recipe and used instant potatoes. I really liked it. It's great for a cold night and is really fulfilling. My father in law actually liked it so that's saying something!

This is actually a "Cottage Pie" as it is made with 'Beef' - A Shepherd's Pie is made with Lamb - Shepherd = Lambs/Sheep.

I use instant mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese to add appeal for the kids.

I use instant mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese to add appeal for the kids.

This was really good - my husband loved it! I was out of garlic, so I used garlic salt instead and it was great.

Since my daughter is learning to cook, this would be a good meal for her to make for our family. It reminds me of suppers when I was a child.

While this is one of my favorites, I add a little worchester sauce for stronger flavor and cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes for heavier substance.

I used groung lamb in the tradition of the UK. Can't stand what passes for ground beef here.
I did use fresh rather than frozen vegies. It was very good that way.
Served with fresh tropical fruit and Artichokes.

I added one small can of tomato paste to give it more flavor instead of ketchup and also added peas and corn. I also doubled it so that it would feed 6 people and found that I needed to add 1 cup of water, which I took out of the potato water, which helped to thicken the mixture too. Delicious!