Cottage pie
Cottage pie is a comforting dish made with a hearty ground beef filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This traditional recipe blends rich flavours, perfect for family dinners.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 bay leafs
1/2 cup peas
4 potatoes
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
Cottage pie is a classic, hearty dish that brings comfort to any table. This traditional recipe combines rich, savory flavors with a delightful, creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners, it’s a satisfying way to end a cold day. Let’s get started on creating this delicious meal!
Instructions:
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato puree. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add the bay leaves and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced.
- Stir in the peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the meat mixture to an ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out smoothly. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface (optional).
- For a richer finish, dot the top of the mashed potatoes with small pieces of butter (optional).
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the cottage pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot!
Congratulations! You've just prepared a delightful cottage pie that's perfect for any occasion. The blend of savory meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes creates a comforting and filling dish. Enjoy this classic meal with family and friends!
Cottage pie FAQ:
The cottage pie is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. A cooking thermometer can be inserted into the center; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Yes, you can prepare the cottage pie in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold.
A baking dish that holds about 2 to 2.5 quarts (approximately 8x8 inches or 9x13 inches) is ideal for this amount of filling and topping. It allows for even cooking and proper browning of the mashed potatoes.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired. For the vegetables, feel free to add or replace with others such as corn or bell peppers. Ensure that any substitutes maintain moisture and flavor.
If your mashed potatoes end up lumpy, you can try returning them to the heat and mashing them further with a potato masher or a ricer. Adding a little more milk can help achieve a smoother consistency.
Cooking Tips:
- Chop all the vegetables, and measure out your ingredients before you begin cooking. This makes the process smoother and more efficient.
- Don't forget to taste the meat mixture before adding it to the baking dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Worcestershire sauce if needed.
- Make sure to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy for the best texture. Using a ricer or food mill can help achieve this.
- When spreading the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, start from the edges and work your way to the center to seal the filling and prevent it from bubbling up while baking.
- For a golden-brown crust, you can broil the pie for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Cottage pie makes excellent leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 590kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 9g
Fat 30g
More recipes
Garlic and rosemary steaks
Juicy grilled steaks marinated in garlic and rosemary, served with potatoes and lemon-parsley mayo.
10 Jan 2026Tuna skinny pizza with arugula and olives
Enjoy this quick tuna skinny pizza topped with arugula and olives.
07 Feb 2026Vienna sausage manicotti pancakes
Savory Vienna sausage and mozzarella in whole-grain pancakes.
15 Jan 2026Lamb and pine nut meatballs with parsley salad
Savory lamb meatballs served with fresh parsley salad.
10 Feb 2026Skinny chicken and vegetable frittata
A healthy chicken and vegetable frittata for any meal.
26 Jan 2026