Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This healthy version of cottage pie keeps the hearty, satisfying essence of the original while trimming excess fat and boosting nutrition. Made with lean protein, lots of vegetables, and lighter mashed potatoes (or even cauliflower mash), it’s comfort food you can feel good about serving the whole family.

Ingredients

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

For the filling:
lean ground beef or ground turkey
onion
garlic
carrots
celery
peas
tomato paste
low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
Worcestershire sauce
thyme
rosemary
olive oil
salt
black pepper

For the topping:
Yukon gold or russet potatoes (or a mix of potatoes and cauliflower)
Greek yogurt or low-fat milk
olive oil or light butter
salt
pepper
optional: a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes (and cauliflower, if using). Boil in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, then mash with Greek yogurt, olive oil or butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook until everything is well combined and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potato mixture, spreading evenly.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden. Broil for a few minutes if you prefer a crispier top.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Cauliflower mash topping: Swap all or half the potatoes for cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
• Vegetarian version: Use lentils instead of meat and vegetable broth.
• Sweet potato topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a flavorful twist and added nutrients.
• Cheesy top: Mix in a small amount of shredded low-fat cheese with the mashed potatoes.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika to the meat mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

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

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

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.

How can I make the topping lower in calories?

Use cauliflower mash or replace butter with olive oil or Greek yogurt.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save time.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

What size baking dish should I use?

An 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish works well for this recipe.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions to the filling.

Does the pie need to be covered while baking?

No, bake uncovered to allow the top to brown.

Can I skip the oven and serve it straight from the skillet?

Yes, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can mash and layer the potatoes on top and broil it briefly, or serve directly.

How do I make the filling thicker?

Simmer the mixture a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

Healthy Cottage Pie is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition—a classic dish made lighter without losing its rich, savory charm. With tender meat, a flavorful veggie filling, and a creamy potato topping, it’s a wholesome meal the entire family will enjoy. Ideal for meal prep, leftovers, or a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Healthy Cottage Pie

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A lighter twist on the classic British cottage pie, made with lean ground meat, plenty of vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato (or cauliflower mash) topping. Healthy Cottage Pie is wholesome, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes (or 1 1/2 lbs potatoes + 1/2 lb cauliflower)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or low-fat milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil or light butter
• Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Peel and chop potatoes (and cauliflower if using). Boil in salted water until tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with Greek yogurt, olive oil or butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in broth, add peas, and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Spread meat and vegetable mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
8. Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Broil briefly for a crispier top if desired.
9. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• For lower carbs, replace some or all potatoes with cauliflower mash.
• Use lentils and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet potato mash adds flavor and nutrients.
• Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost vegetables.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work well as a shortcut.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg