I used ground chuck for this one and would definitely recommend that you drain the beef, otherwise the filling is too soupy. Makes a very tasty fall dinner, shepherds pie or cottage pie.

Have made this for years it is a favorite in our house

This is a Cottage Pie as it is made with beef. A Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb. You should know that Martha.

Why so bland, Martha? Yeesh. Made this with ground turkey and reduced fat where I could (2% milk, less cheese). Tasty, but only after liberal application of salt and pepper. And hot sauce. And jalapeños.

This version results were absolutely awesome! I made it just like the recipe, with two exceptions. I did not have white cheddar, used regular and it was fine. And I added a shot of Jameson to give it some good ol Irish spirit. Wish I could post a picture, its beautiful...

Three stars as written, but 4 to 5 with adjustments! I had some great ground lamb from my CSA-so guess I can say I made shepherd's pie :-). I browned the lamb first and then added the veggies (wanted the brown flavor and also to make sure that I could remove some of the fat if necessary. Instead of tomato paste I used Sir Kensington Ketchup & increased the quantity by at least double. Also increased the ratio of potatoes slightly-maybe 1.5 times and a combo of half heavy cream and nonfat.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet...and this is delicious regardless of its name (or meat)! ;) I made it with ground turkey, adding in minced garlic (two cloves) a healthy amount of smoked paprika, and several glugs of worcestershire sauce. It was a huge success with all the family!

This looks great, but just a minor note, it's cottage pie, not shepherd's pie. Shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb or mutton (as in shepherd, sheep, bah bah....); cottage pie can be made with any other ground up type of meat. Cheers

This is not Shepherd's Pie! Shepherd's pie is made with lamb. Sheep - Shepherd is where the name comes from. A meat/potato pie with beef is called cottage pie. Such a shame that Martha Stewart would make such an error! Go to any respectable restaurant and order a shepherd's pie. You will be served lamb!

Suggestion: brown the meat by itself and drain well before adding to the vegetables. If you add a beaten egg or two to the filling before baking, then let it stand a few minutes before serving it will set up and cut into neater squares. I also liked to add a healthy grind of black pepper, splash of tabasco if you like a little "zip". Good to make ahead, serve with crisp salad and fresh bread. a popular supper with the teenagers.