Cottage Pie Recipe
Cottage Pie is a comforting British dish made from ground beef, vegetables, and a fluffy mashed potato topping. It’s a perfect hearty meal, easy to prepare, and ideal for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of savory meat filling and creamy potatoes makes it a true comfort food.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- Baking dish
- Masher or hand mixer for potatoes
Ingredients
- For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and carrots, and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in beef broth, season to taste with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until mixture thickens.
- Stir in peas and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- Put the peeled potatoes in a pot and add water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add in and bring to a boil; simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 min.
- Drain, then mix the potatoes with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Cottage Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat mixture over the noodles in a baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread evenly. Use a fork to create a textured pattern.
Bake:
- Bake the Cottage Pie in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Serve:
- Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Variations: You can add other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or parsnips to the filling.
Freezing: Cottage Pie can be frozen. Assemble the pie, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: Cottage Pie can be frozen. Assemble the pie, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.