I recently whipped up a cottage pie that turned out so comforting and delicious, I just had to share the recipe with you! This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
It’s easy to make and packs a ton of flavor with every bite. And the best part? You can have it in only 35 minutes!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this cottage pie recipe a winner is its simplicity coupled with its rich flavor. It uses everyday ingredients to create a comforting meal that’s both filling and satisfying. The combination of savory ground beef layered with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes gives you a perfect bite every time. Plus, it’s a great meal to prep ahead of time and heats up beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home or cater to dietary preferences. It’s a straightforward recipe that forgives tweaks and still turns out great. Whether you’re a beginner cook or looking to introduce more home-cooked meals into your routine, this cottage pie is a dependable dish that promises to deliver comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
Ground Beef: The star of the show, it adds rich, meaty flavor. Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Potatoes: Used for the creamy mash topping. Opt for Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
Cheese: I use cheddar for its sharpness and meltability. Swap it with mozzarella for a milder taste.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A handy mix of peas, carrots, and corn. Fresh vegetables work too, just cook them a bit longer.
Worcestershire Sauce: It deepens the flavor with its tangy, umami kick. Soy sauce is a good alternative if you’re out.
Tips
- Pre-cook the vegetables: If using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, sauté them until they're almost tender before adding them to the meat mixture. This ensures they are perfectly cooked in the final dish.
- Season as you go: Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the meat mixture and mashed potatoes before assembling the pie. Getting the seasoning right in both layers makes a big difference in flavor.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the cottage pie sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly and makes serving easier.
- Add a crusty top: For an extra tasty finish, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or breadcrumbs on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. This adds a delightful crunch.
How to Serve
Cottage Pie is a fantastic one-pot meal that can be served straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The dish is great for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a special treat on a cold day.
- Pair with a green salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition.
- Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the savory gravy.
Looking for more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Cottage Pie for 18 tasty side dishes.
Similar Recipes
Cottage Pie
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon diced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
- 8 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup half & half cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes. Put them in a pot with water just covering them. Boil them, then simmer until they're soft enough to pierce with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it's brown, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add half the salt and pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and parsley to the beef. Stir everything together.
- Mix in the Worcestershire sauce and flour to coat the beef.
- Add beef broth and frozen vegetables to the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are soft.
- For the mashed potatoes, mash the cooked potatoes with butter, cream, the remaining salt and pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Mix in the cheese until it's melted into the potatoes.
- Put the beef mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef in a thick, even layer.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Serve with some fresh herbs sprinkled on top. Enjoy your homemade cottage pie!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- If using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, sauté them until they're almost tender before adding them to the meat mixture. This ensures they are perfectly cooked in the final dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the meat mixture and mashed potatoes before assembling the pie. Getting the seasoning right in both layers makes a big difference in flavor.
- After baking, let the cottage pie sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly and makes serving easier.
- For an extra tasty finish, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or breadcrumbs on top of the mashed potatoes before baking. This adds a delightful crunch.
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