Cottage Pie

Here’s a warm, hearty classic: Cottage Pie — ground beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect comfort food!

🥧 Cottage Pie

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Topping:

• 3 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup milk or cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potato Topping:
   Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; cook until softened (~5 mins). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
   Add ground beef; cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth and peas. Simmer until thickened (~10 minutes).

3. Assemble and Bake:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and smooth out. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using.
   Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

4. Serve:
   Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Swap beef for ground lamb to make a Shepherd’s Pie.

• Add herbs like parsley or chives to mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

• Use leftover mashed potatoes or ground meat for a quick version.