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. 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

1. Shepherd’s Pie Version: Use ground lamb instead of beef
2. Cheesy Cottage Pie: Add cheddar to the mashed potatoes
3. Vegetable Cottage Pie: Add mushrooms or swap meat for lentils
4. Sweet Potato Topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes
5. 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.