This hearty cheesy shepherd’s pie with Italian sausage is a savory and delicious twist on the classic shepherd’s pie recipe. Italian sausage mixture with vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and topped with sharp cheddar cheese makes a delicious casserole recipe the whole family is going to enjoy.
I’m a huge fan of shepherd’s pie. Before I actually tried it, I had heard about it for years. I never really knew exactly what it was, but I knew it seemed to be incredibly popular with some people. When I discovered what it was, I wasn’t surprised to see why so many people love it. It’s basically a beef dinner in one dish. I realized that beef or sausage with gravy, veggies, and mashed potatoes on top was an absolutely genius way to make a complete meal quickly and easily. The first time I made it, we had zero leftovers. That’s when I knew I had a winner on my hands. Fast forward several years, and I still make this dish. It’s great having it for dinner and then reheating it for lunch and dinner the next day. I think you’re going to feel the same way.
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Italian Sausage
I’ve ben making shepherd’s pie for years, and recently I decided I wanted to switch things up. So I took the classic recipe, and I subbed in Italian sausage for beef. The spices in the Italian sausage work perfectly with the other ingredients. It starts with Italian sausage, – hot or mild – and vegetables. Then I combine it with broth and ketchup to create a sweet, beefy, tomato-flavored sauce. Then it’s topped with perfectly cooked mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese and baked in the oven to hearty perfection. It’s a dish that can feed an army and leave them full and satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie
- It’s easy to make, savory, delicious, and uses simple ingredients.
- It’s a new twist on the classic shepherd’s pie substituting Italian sausage for ground beef.
- It’s topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese.
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Tips and Variations
I have a couple of easy tips to help you make this recipe the best that it can possibly be. I also have some great variations that I think you’ll love.
Tips
- Always drain your sausage after cooking it to prevent a greasy dish.
- Russet potatoes are best for achieving that light, fluffy texture of mashed potatoes.
- Always add potatoes to cold water and then bring it to a boil when boiling them. This ensures even cooking.
Variations
- Use your favorite vegetables in this dish. Peas, parsnips, broccoli, and even green beans work well.
- For an interesting twist, top your shepherd’s pie with hashbrown potatoes.
- Leftover pot roast makes a great, beefy base for this recipe, as well.
What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie
Although this dish is a complete meal in and of itself, it does pair wonderfully with some other delicious sides. It’s the perfect way to stretch it out when you have company.
- Glazed carrots
- Crusty bread
- Side salad
- Corn salad
- Peas
- Bakes beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie FAQ
The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this delicious, hearty dish.
What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
While both are savory British casserole dishes that use meat and mashed potatoes, they are different. Traditional shepherd’s pie contains lamb, while cottage pie is usually made with beef. However, in the USA, shepherd’s pie is the name given to any casserole made with any of those variations.
Where does shepherd’s pie come from?
Shepherd’s pie is a casserole recipe that hails from sheep country in Scotland and northern England.
Why is shepherd’s pie called shepherd’s pie?
It got its name because it was made with lamb, and it was shepherds who watched over the flock.
How long will shepherd’s pie last in the fridge?
It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container.
Can you freeze shepherd’s pie?
Absolutely. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Shepherds’ Pie
Store your leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.
Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie with Italian Sausage
This rustic dish only uses simple ingredients that you can find easily at your local grocery store.
For the Meat and Vegetables
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrot
- Beef broth
- Ketchup
For the Mashed Potatoes
- Russet potatoes
- Butter
- Evaporated milk
- Cream cheese
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Italian Sausage
Making this dish is just as easy as the ingredient list. It only requires a basic knowledge of cooking. It’s super simple!
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Then, using a large pot of water, boil the potatoes until they’re fork tender.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Then, add the butter, cream cheese, evaporated milk, garlic salt, and pepper. Let them sit until the butter and the cream cheese start to melt. Then, use an electric mixer to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Finally, add the parmesan cheese and mix until combined.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
Cook the sausage, onions, celery, and carrots in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain and return to the pan. Then, add the broth and ketchup and simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Add the sausage mixture to the baking dish followed by the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy!
Try This Sausage Shepherd’s Pie Today
This cheesy shepherd’s pie combines all the flavors we love about this classic dish with a little something extra thanks to the use of Italian sausage and the added cheddar cheese on top. It’s a hearty, meat and potatoes meal that the entire family will love. They’ll love it because it’s so good, and you’ll love it because it’s so easy! Try it just once, and I know it will be a life-long favorite.
More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Enjoy
BBQ Meatloaf – The ultimate comfort food recipe, made with lean ground beef, barbecue sauce, and crispy onion strings.
Cheesy Sausage & Rice Casserole – A hearty, cheesy, and delicious casserole recipe that is loaded with tender rice, slices of smoked sausage, and lots of cheese.
Turkey Pot Pie – The ultimate comfort food recipe made with tender turkey, vegetables, and a flaky, buttery crust.
And, try this Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup from Great Grub, Delicious Treats. It’s a hearty and delicious soup that has all the flavors of stuffed bell peppers made in one simple pot.
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie with Italian Sausage
Ingredients
For the Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, hot or mild
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled, diced
- 1 ⅓ beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 5 Russet potatoes, peeled, cubed (Costco size)
- 1 ½ sticks butter
- 6 ounces evaporated milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and lightly spray a 3 quart baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
For the Mashed Potatoes
- In a large pot of water, over medium high heat, add potatoes and bring water to a boil over medium high heat.
- Cook potatoes until fork tender. Drain water and return to the pan.
- Add butter, cream cheese, evaporated milk, garlic salt and pepper, and let sit until butter and cream cheese start to melt.
- Mix with an electric mixer until desired consistency is obtained. Add more evaporated milk if needed.
For the Sausage and Vegetables
- In a large skillet or frying pan, over medium heat, add sausage, onions, celery and carrots and cook until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Drain and return to the pan.
- Add beef broth and ketchup, stir to combine and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Spoon sausage mixture into prepared baking dish, top with mashed potatoes and then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Baked uncovered in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Carefully remove from oven and enjoy with a side salad and crusty bread.
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