Cottage Pie Recipe

Here’s a classic Cottage Pie recipe! Cottage pie is similar to shepherd’s pie but typically made with ground beef instead of lamb.

Classic Cottage Pie Recipe

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) canned diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 lb (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk or cream (adjust for desired creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another minute. Then add the beef broth, canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
   • Simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:
   • While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk (or cream) and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add grated cheddar cheese if you like.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Spread the beef filling evenly in a baking dish.
   • Spread the mashed potatoes over the filling, using a spatula to smooth them out. You can create a pattern with a fork for a crispier texture on top.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. For a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 3–5 minutes.
4. Serve:
   • Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy your homemade cottage pie!

This recipe yields about 4–6 servings.