Shepherd's Pie (Italian Sausage)

sausageshepherdspie This Sausage Shepherd’s Pie is a mouthwatering twist on a classic shepherd’s pie full of soul-warming flavours. The filling features rich Italian sausage, savoury herbs and hearty vegetables. Top it off with buttery mashed potatoes for an unbelievably comforting meal. Sausage Shepherd’s Pie is a fusion recipe that mixes the best of both Italian and Irish cuisines. Instead of ground beef or lamb and tomato sauce that are typically found in traditional shepherd’s pie, this recipe incorporates sausage and marinara sauce. These two ingredients add depth and richness to Shepherd's Pie, creating a unique and unforgettable taste. The textural combination of tender vegetables, meaty sausage and creamy potatoes make it incredibly hard to stop at just one serving. You’ll be surprised to know that a dish this complex in flavour can also be quite easy to make. Plus, Sausage Shepherd’s Pie turns into the best leftovers all week long.

1 Tbsp. cooking oil
½ onion, chopped
1 lb hot Italian pork sausage, casings removed
1 tsp. dried rosemary
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
⅓ cup red wine
¾ cup marinara sauce
½ cup chicken or beef broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

Mashed Potatoes:
2 lb potatoes, peeled and chopped (~ 3-4 potatoes)
6-8 Tbsp. butter, at room temperature
⅓-½ cup whole milk, room temperature or warmed
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5). If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, grease a 9x13" casserole dish.

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sausage. Use your wooden spoon to crumble up the sausage and cook for 5 minutes until sausage is no longer pink. Then add garlic and rosemary, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add flour and stir for 1-2 minutes. Then pour in wine and let reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.

Add marinara sauce, broth, frozen veggies, ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until lightly thickened. Season to taste. If needed, transfer to casserole dish and set aside.

Meanwhile, add potatoes and 1 Tbsp. salt to a pot and cover with 1" cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down so it's at a rolling simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until completely fork tender. Then drain, turn heat down to low, and return potatoes to pot.

To the potatoes, add 6 Tbsp. butter, ⅓ cup milk, garlic powder, ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. Mash until smooth, adjusting with more butter and milk as needed until creamy. Season to taste.

Spoon dollops of mashed potatoes on top of sausage mixture. Spread until smooth, then use a fork to create ridges all throughout the potatoes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling, then broil for 2-3 minutes until top is golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

Cook's Notes:

Oven safe dish: For less dishes, use an oven-safe skillet or braiser pan for your Sausage Shepherd's Pie. If you don't have one, simply transfer the sausage mixture to a 9x13" casserole dish before topping with mashed potatoes.
Cool the sausage mixture: Let the sausage mixture cool slightly to prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking down.
Prevent lumpy mashed potatoes: The potato topping should be completely smooth and creamy. Make sure the potatoes are completely cooked and fork-tender before mashing, use room temperature butter and milk, and mash the potatoes while they're warm. You could also add an egg yolk for an extra-rich topping.
Rest: Let the Sausage Shepherd's Pie rest for a few minutes after baking it to allow the filling to settle and the flavors to meld together.

Substitutions and Variations:

Instead of regular potatoes, make your Sausage Shepherd’s Pie with sweet potatoes. They add a pop of color and a sweeter flavor to balance the spice of the sausage.
Use ground beef or lamb in place of Italian sausage for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
In place of (or in addition to) rosemary, add dried thyme, sage, a few bay leaves, or an Italian seasoning mix to your Sausage Shepherd's Pie.
If you don’t consume alcohol, replace the red wine with extra beef or chicken broth.
Include your favorite vegetables! Hearty options include celery, parsnips, broccoli, and green beans.
Make your Sausage Shepherd’s Pie spicy by using hot Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the filling. You can also include some diced fresh hot peppers if you’d like.
To make this gluten-free, replace the flour with gluten-free flour or 1 tsp. corn starch.
Feel free to leave the red wine out if preferred. Instead, replace with additional broth or water.
Use whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream for the mashed potatoes.

Storing and Freezing:

Storing: Let the Sausage Shepherd's Pie cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the pie in the fridge and store it for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Once the shepherd’s pie is at room temperature, cover it with aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with a fresh sheet of foil. Add it to a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4) and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1 minutes or until hot.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this easy Sausage Cottage Pie ahead of time by following the instructions on the recipe card. Prepare it until just before baking, then cover and freeze it for a quick dinner when you’re busy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie? Both are British casserole recipes that use meat and potatoes, but they do have some differences. Cottage pie is made with beef whereas traditional shepherd’s pie contains lamb.
Why is my Sausage Shepherd's Pie soupy? If your Sausage Shepherd’s Pie is soupy or runny, you likely didn’t add enough flour to thicken the gravy or didn’t simmer it for long enough to reduce the liquid. Additionally, make sure to completely drain the potatoes before mashing them.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can make this easy Sausage Cottage Pie vegetarian by swapping out the sausage with a vegan ground round.