Can You Make Shepherd's Pie Entirely in a Cast Iron Skillet?

There is something about pulling a bubbling, golden-topped shepherd’s pie out of the oven that makes a cold evening feel like a warm hug. But the usual method leaves you with a sink full of pots — one for the meat mixture, one for boiling potatoes, and a baking dish. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could make the whole thing in just one skillet? The answer is yes, and the secret is a well-seasoned cast iron pan. I’ve been making shepherd’s pie this way for years, and it’s become one of my family’s most requested meals. Let me walk you through exactly how it’s done, with all the little tips that turn a good shepherd’s pie into a great one.