Cottage Pie is a warm, simple dish of browned meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Cottage Pie introduction
Cottage Pie is a classic, home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with good smells.
This recipe is easy to follow and great for weeknights, and if you enjoy other savory pies you might like the creamy chicken and mushroom pie for another dinner idea.
Why make Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie is quick, filling, and uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand.
It makes a full, balanced meal with protein, veg, and carbs in one dish.
How to make Cottage Pie
Make the meat base first, then top with mashed potatoes and bake.
This order keeps the filling flavorful and the potato top crispy.
Ingredients : Cottage Pie
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions : Cottage Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground meat, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the carrots, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Serve hot.
How to serve Cottage Pie
Serve Cottage Pie hot straight from the oven for best texture.
Offer a simple green salad or steamed greens on the side, or try it with ideas like the creamy seafood pot pie if you want more pie inspiration.
How to store Cottage Pie
Cool the pie completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Tips to make Cottage Pie
- Brown the meat well for a richer flavor.
- Mash potatoes until smooth and spread in an even layer for a nice crust.
- Add a little grated cheese on top in the last 5 minutes for a golden finish.
For a vegetarian twist, try dishes like the spinach pie to swap the meat for veggies.
Variation Cottage Pie
- Use ground lamb for a more traditional flavor (often called shepherd’s pie).
- Mix in mushrooms or corn for extra texture.
- Swap beef broth for red wine for deeper flavor.
FAQs Cottage Pie
Q: Can I use lamb instead of beef?
A: Yes. Use lamb for a more classic shepherd’s pie taste. Season the same way.
Q: How do I reheat leftover Cottage Pie?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot, or microwave single portions until warm.
Q: What tool helps mash potatoes best?
A: A good potato masher works well; you can buy one here.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead for a freezer meal?
A: Yes. Assemble, cool, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.
Cottage Pie
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the ground meat, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the carrots, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Serve hot.
