Here’s a classic Cottage Pie recipe — a warm, comforting dish made with ground beef, savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. Not to be confused with Shepherd’s Pie (which uses lamb), Cottage Pie is all about the beef.
🥘 Classic Cottage Pie
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
🧄 Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or diced fresh vegetables)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 egg yolk (optional — makes topping golden and rich)
🔥 Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
- Place cubed potatoes in salted water and boil until fork-tender (12–15 minutes).
- Drain, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in egg yolk if using. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 mins until soft.
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Add beef broth, thyme, and vegetables. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour beef mixture into a baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar).
- Spoon mashed potatoes on top. Spread evenly, then drag a fork across the top for texture (helps it brown).
4. Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning.
✅ Tips & Variations:
- Add cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar on top of the potatoes before baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready.
- Freezer-friendly: Cottage pie freezes well. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, covered with foil.
Would you like a one-pan skillet version, a low-carb twist (with cauliflower mash), or a meal-prep version?