Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort dish made with savory minced beef cooked in a rich gravy, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbling. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this dish has been a staple in home kitchens for generations. Cottage Pie is perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and familiar flavors, it delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the definition of comfort food. The combination of tender minced beef, flavorful gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes feels both nostalgic and nourishing. It’s a forgiving, flexible recipe that can be adapted to whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Cottage Pie is a must-try dish because it delivers pure comfort in a simple, hearty form that never goes out of style. The combination of savory minced beef simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy and topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes creates a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Every bite feels warm, filling, and deeply comforting, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or relaxed weekend meals.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
1. Prepare Potatoes:
Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook Beef Filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Brown Beef:
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
4. Add Vegetables and Flavorings:
Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer:
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
6. Assemble:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread beef mixture into a baking dish and top evenly with mashed potatoes.
7. Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
How to Serve
- Serve hot straight from the oven
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed greens
- Add crusty bread for a complete meal
Recipe Tips
- Season the potatoes generously for best flavor
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease
- Let pie rest 10 minutes before serving
- Rough up the potato topping with a fork for crispy edges
- Add grated cheese on top for extra richness
Variations
- Shepherd’s Pie Version: Use ground lamb instead of beef
- Cheesy Cottage Pie: Add cheddar to the mashed potatoes
- Vegetable Cottage Pie: Add mushrooms or swap meat for lentils
- Sweet Potato Topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower mash
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked Cottage Pie for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Potato masher
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Mixing spoon
Conclusion
Cottage Pie is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its savory beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a meal that feels like home. Easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for leftovers, this classic recipe is one every home cook should have in their collection.
Cottage Pie Recipe
Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort dish made with savory minced beef cooked in a rich gravy, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden and bubbling. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this dish has been a staple in home kitchens for generations.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
Instructions
-
1. Prepare Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt. Set aside.
-
2. Cook Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
-
3. Brown Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
-
4. Add Vegetables and Flavorings: Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
-
5. Simmer: Pour in beef broth and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
-
6. Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread beef mixture into a baking dish and top evenly with mashed potatoes.
-
7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
