Go Back

Cottage Pie

A comforting classic dish with a flavorful meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes.
  2. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Make the Filling
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Stir in the frozen peas and remove from heat.
Assemble the Pie
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a greased baking dish, spread the meat filling evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the meat completely.
  3. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top of the mashed potatoes.
Bake the Cottage Pie
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  2. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Cottage pie can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, or frozen for up to three months.