Cottage Pie
A hearty and comforting classic, this Cottage Pie features a rich, savory ground beef and vegetable filling smothered under a fluffy, golden-brown mashed potato crust. It's the perfect family dinner for a chilly evening.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
- b.Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by at least an inch and add 1 tbsp of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- c.Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return the empty pot to the stove over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining moisture, then turn off the heat.
- e.Return the drained potatoes to the dry pot. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or ricer.
- f.Add 4 tbsp of the divided butter, the warmed milk, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- g.Stir in the egg yolk for richness and color. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Beef Filling
- b.While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.In a large, deep, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
- d.Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent.
- e.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- f.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Carefully drain off any excess fat.
- g.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- h.Stir in the tomato paste until well combined, then gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to avoid lumps.
- i.Add the dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- j.Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened.
- k.Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the frozen peas.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble and Bake the Pie
- b.If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the beef filling to a 2-quart (approx. 9x9 inch) baking dish.
- c.Carefully spoon the mashed potato topping over the beef filling. Spread it evenly to the edges of the dish to create a seal.
- d.For a traditional look and crispy texture, use the tines of a fork to create ridges and swirls on the surface of the potatoes.
- e.Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- f.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling at the edges and the potato topping is golden brown.
- g.For a deeper brown crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the Cottage Pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This is crucial as it allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the fluffiest mash, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. It creates a finer, smoother texture without overworking the potatoes.
- 2Ensure your milk is warm before adding it to the potatoes. Cold liquid can result in a gluey texture.
- 3For a deeper, more complex flavor in the filling, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the beef and before adding the flour.
- 4Don't skip draining the fat from the beef. This prevents the final dish from being greasy.
- 5Letting the pie rest is essential. A hot-from-the-oven pie will be runny; resting allows the gravy to thicken and set.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese over the mashed potato topping before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
Shepherd's PieShepherd's Pie
For the traditional Shepherd's Pie, simply substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of ground lamb.
Vegetarian Lentil PieVegetarian Lentil Pie
Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked brown or green lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
Root Vegetable MashRoot Vegetable Mash
For a more complex flavor, replace one-third of the potatoes with peeled and cubed parsnips or celeriac. Boil and mash them along with the potatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
With carrots, onions, and peas, this dish delivers essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber, which support immune function and digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Cottage Pie contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the ground beef and the amount of butter used. This is an estimate and can vary.