Description
This hearty cottage pie combines savory beef and rich gravy with a smooth, creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for comforting family dinners or as a meal-prep option, this recipe is a classic favorite loved for its warmth and versatility.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well. Gradually pour in the beef stock and red wine, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes well and mash them until smooth. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and optional cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the beef filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create decorative ridges.
- Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan or breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pie a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezing Tip: Assemble the pie, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable stock.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Hearty Cottage Pie Savory Beef Creamy Mashed Potatoes Traditional British Recipe Comfort Food Pie Easy Family Dinner Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole