Cottage Pie is a classic comfort food dish that combines a savory ground beef filling with a creamy mashed potato topping. This hearty recipe is packed with tender vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for a rich, savory flavor. The topping of cheesy mashed potatoes adds a creamy and slightly crispy finish, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or family dinners.
While traditionally made with ground beef, Cottage Pie is versatile and can be customized with different vegetables or even ground lamb for a Shepherd’s Pie variation. The dish is easy to prepare and offers layers of flavor and texture that are sure to delight everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Classic Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying meal with a rich filling and creamy topping.
• Packed with Flavor: Savory beef, herbs, and a hint of wine create a robust and delicious dish.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables or use lamb for a different twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• ¼ cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup warm milk
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Begin browning the ground beef.
• When the beef is about one-third cooked, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onions and celery are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Flour:
• Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables.
3. Make the Sauce:
• Gradually stir in the beef broth, followed by the red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and bay leaves.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
4. Finish the Filling:
• Remove the bay leaves, stir in the frozen peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spoon the mixture into a prepared casserole dish and let it cool slightly. For best results, chill for at least 30 minutes to help the layers separate.
Prepare the Potato Topping:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
• Place the potato cubes in a large pot of lightly salted cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
• Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk, cover, and let the butter melt.
• Mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Cottage Pie:
1. Layer the Topping:
• Spoon the mashed potatoes over the chilled meat mixture in the casserole dish. Spread the potatoes evenly to cover the filling completely.
• Use a fork to create a textured surface on the potatoes, which will create crispy edges during baking.
2. Bake:
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme over the potatoes and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Serve:
1. Allow the Cottage Pie to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop into portions and enjoy warm.
Tips
• Chilling the Filling: Chilling the meat mixture helps the layers stay distinct when baking.
• Wine Alternative: If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with additional beef broth.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a bright, earthy flavor, but you can substitute with dried thyme if needed.
• Extra Crisp Topping: For a crispier topping, broil the pie for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Storage Options
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezer: Assemble the pie without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Cottage Pie is a timeless dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. With its savory layers and golden topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
