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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.

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

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cottage-pie/