Classic Cottage Pie 🥧🥩
Cottage pie is a comforting British dish made with a savory ground meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Unlike shepherd’s pie, which uses lamb, cottage pie is made with beef.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the filling:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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1 cup frozen peas
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the topping:
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4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
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1 tablespoon butter (for brushing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
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Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the filling
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
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Add onions, carrots, and garlic; cook until softened.
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Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Stir in frozen peas at the end.
3. Assemble the pie
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Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish.
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Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
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Use a fork to create ridges on the potato top for extra crispiness.
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Dot with butter.
4. Bake
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Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
5. Serve
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Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Perfect with gravy or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Cottage Pie
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Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
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Add a splash of milk or cream to make mashed potatoes extra fluffy.
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For richer flavor, sauté the vegetables in butter or olive oil before adding meat.
âś… Result:
A warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
If you want, I can also give a quick 30-minute “weeknight” cottage pie version that tastes just as good but takes less time to make.