There’s something deeply comforting about Cottage Pie—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef and vegetables, all topped with a creamy, golden layer of mashed potatoes, this is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or when you just need a meal that soothes the soul. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love Cottage Pie
This recipe is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a classic for a reason. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, Cottage Pie hits all the right notes. Here’s why:
Hearty and Satisfying
This dish is packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy potatoes, making it a complete meal in one dish.
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and frozen veggies—no need for fancy ingredients!
Great for Meal Prep
Cottage Pie stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for batch cooking.
Customizable
Swap the meat, play with the seasonings, or add extra veggies—this dish is super flexible to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly
Even picky eaters love this! The creamy mashed potatoes and savory beef filling make it a winner at the dinner table.
Ingredients in Cottage Pie
This classic dish is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ground Beef
The heart of the dish! Browned and seasoned to perfection for a rich, savory base.
Onion and Garlic
Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor to the filling.
Carrots and Peas
A pop of color and sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Tomato Paste
Adds richness and enhances the meaty flavor of the filling.
Beef Broth
Gives the filling a deliciously deep, savory taste.
Worcestershire Sauce
A secret ingredient that adds an irresistible umami kick.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery, and the perfect topping for that golden-brown finish.
Butter and Milk
Used to make the mashed potatoes extra creamy and delicious.
Cheese (Optional)
For a crispy, cheesy topping—because everything’s better with cheese!
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this comforting classic!
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfectly baked, golden-topped pie.
Cook the Beef Filling
In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer until thickened.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.
Assemble the Pie
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cottage Pie
With a side of greens: A simple side salad or steamed green beans make a great pairing.
With crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the filling.
As a freezer meal: Make a big batch and freeze for busy weeknights.
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
Dietary Swaps: Swap beef for ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Storage Tips: Keeps well in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes it a bit lighter.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble it and store in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze Cottage Pie?
A4: Yes! Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Q5: How do I reheat it?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q6: Can I add more veggies?
A6: Of course! Mushrooms, corn, or celery all make great additions.
Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Use dairy-free butter and milk for the mashed potatoes.
Q8: What’s the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?
A8: Cottage Pie is made with beef, while Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb.
Q9: Can I make individual portions?
A9: Yes! Use ramekins for single-serve pies.
Q10: How do I get a crispier topping?
A10: Broil for the last few minutes for extra golden, crispy potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping ahead for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Cottage Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and flavorful meat sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden. A hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 40g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed
- 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
Meat Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 600g (1 1/2 lbs) lean ground beef
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 120ml (1/2 cup) white or red wine
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 360ml (1 1/2 cups) beef stock
- 250g (8.8 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 150g (1 cup) frozen peas
For Baking:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and let them sit in a colander for 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery. Season with thyme and rosemary.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes on low heat until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Increase the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the wine. Cook for 2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.
- Sprinkle in the flour, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef stock and add the canned diced tomatoes. Stir well and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
-
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F).
- Grease a deep 20cm x 25cm (8-inch x 10-inch) baking dish.
-
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Pass the cooked potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them in a bowl.
- Pour the warm heavy cream over the potatoes, then mix in the cubed butter, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
- Stir until well combined and smooth.
-
Assemble & Bake:
- Spread the meat sauce evenly in the baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth it out. Optionally, use a spoon to create a decorative pattern.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and lightly crisp on top.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg