Cottage Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cottage Pie is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich, filling, and full of flavor, with a perfect balance of meaty base and fluffy potato topping. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and ideal for making ahead or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Frozen peas
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme or fresh thyme
• All-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
• Potatoes (for the mash)
• Milk or cream
• Butter
• Optional: shredded cheese for topping

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until creamy. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
6. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, flour, and thyme. Stir to coat.
7. Pour in beef broth and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
8. Add peas and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top and smooth out with a spatula.
10. Optional: sprinkle with shredded cheese.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.
12. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie.
• Add corn or green beans for extra vegetables.
• Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and butter.
• Use sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic topping.
• Add a pinch of paprika or shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Cottage Pie also freezes well. Cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

Cottage pie uses ground beef, while shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb.

Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze cottage pie?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap it well and label it.

What potatoes are best for the topping?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, for convenience. Homemade mash has better texture and flavor but instant works in a pinch.

Do I have to use flour?

Flour helps thicken the beef mixture, but you can substitute with cornstarch or arrowroot if needed.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use lentils or a meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of beef.

What herbs go well in cottage pie?

Thyme, rosemary, and parsley are all excellent options for flavoring the meat mixture.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats can be used depending on your preference.

How do I get a crispy mashed potato top?

Broil the pie for the last few minutes of baking, and use a fork to rough up the surface for more crispy peaks.

Conclusion

Cottage Pie is a timeless, family-friendly recipe that delivers big on comfort and flavor. With its savory meat filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and the belly. Easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for leftovers, this recipe is a must-have in your collection of hearty home-cooked meals.

Cottage Pie

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Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort dish featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs ground beef
2. 1 small onion, diced
3. 2 carrots, diced
4. 2 celery stalks, diced
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 2 tbsp tomato paste
7. 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
8. 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
9. 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
10. 1 cup beef broth
11. 1 cup frozen peas
12. 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
13. Salt and black pepper to taste
14. 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
15. 1/2 cup milk or cream
16. 4 tbsp butter
17. Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with butter and milk until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Pour in beef broth and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.
8. Transfer meat mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
9. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and the top is golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top, if desired.
11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie.
• Add extra vegetables like corn or green beans for variety.
• Make dairy-free using plant-based milk and butter.
• Substitute flour with cornstarch for gluten-free thickening.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for future meals.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg