Classic Homemade Cottage Pie: A Comforting British Favorite

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 500g ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 egg, beaten

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, and cook until they have softened and the onions are translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the garlic and tomato paste to the pan and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Stir in the beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
  6. Add the frozen peas and corn to the pan and stir well to combine. Remove the pan from the heat.
  7. While the meat is cooking, make the mashed potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender. Drain well.
  8. Return the potatoes to the pot and add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Spread the meat mixture in the bottom of a large baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a spoon. Brush the top of the potatoes with the beaten egg.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan big enough to cook the meat and vegetables.
  • Large baking dish - A dish to assemble and bake the cottage pie.
  • Potato masher - A tool to mash the potatoes for the topping.
  • Spoon - For stirring and combining ingredients.
  • Knife - To chop the onion, carrots, and garlic.
  • Measuring cup - To accurately measure the beef broth, milk, and butter.
  • Whisk - To beat the egg for brushing the mashed potatoes.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the cottage pie.

Recipe variations

  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the mashed topping.
  • Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for a cheesy crust.
  • Include diced bell peppers or mushrooms in the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
  • Make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils instead of beef.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture for extra umami flavor.
  • Incorporate herbs like parsley or cilantro into the mashed potatoes for added freshness.
  • Try a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
  • Make individual-sized cottage pies by using ramekins or small baking dishes.
  • Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the meat mixture for a richer tomato flavor.

Recipe overview

Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish that is both comforting and utterly delicious. This recipe takes you through the steps of making a hearty meat and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. Expect to enjoy a savory ground beef mixture simmered in a flavorful beef broth with rosemary and thyme, mixed with peas, corn, carrots, and onions. This filling is then topped with a layer of smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. The pie is then baked to perfection, resulting in a golden crust on top and a bubbling layer of deliciousness underneath. This Cottage Pie recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a family dinner. It serves 6 and takes about 1.5 hours to prepare and cook, but the end result is definitely worth the wait. Enjoy this comforting dish on a cold night, or whenever you're in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal that will fill your home with wonderful aromas.

Common questions

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe if you prefer.
  2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Certainly! You can use fresh peas and corn instead of frozen if you have them available. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the cottage pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to increase the baking time slightly, as the dish will be cold when you put it in the oven.
  4. Can I freeze Cottage Pie? Yes, Cottage Pie freezes well. After assembling the pie, let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
  5. What can I serve with Cottage Pie? Cottage Pie is often served with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
  6. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch? Sure! If you're short on time, you can use instant mashed potatoes as a shortcut. Just prepare them following the package instructions and use them to top the meat mixture before baking.
  7. Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes? Certainly! If you'd like to add some extra flavor, you can stir in grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meat mixture.
  8. Is Cottage Pie the same as Shepherd's Pie? No, Cottage Pie and Shepherd's Pie are similar but not the same. Cottage Pie is made with ground beef, while Shepherd's Pie is traditionally made with ground lamb. The term Shepherd's Pie is often used to refer to both variations.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients and mixing the meat filling.
  • Large Pan - A pan for cooking the meat filling and vegetables.
  • Potato Masher - A utensil used to mash the boiled potatoes for making the mashed potato topping.
  • Baking Dish - A large dish for assembling and baking the cottage pie.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring and combining ingredients.
  • Whisk - A utensil used for beating the egg to brush on top of the mashed potatoes.
  • Knife - For chopping and preparing vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Oven Mitts - To protect hands while handling hot dishes and pans.

Origin stories

The humble Cottage Pie, a hearty dish beloved by many, was first conceptualised in the late 18th century in the United Kingdom. Its creation was driven by the practical needs of the time: a need to use leftover roasted meat and a new, affordable crop - the potato. In fact, the term "cottage" refers to the modest dwellings of agricultural workers in the UK, who often had small plots of land to grow vegetables such as potatoes. The original versions of the pie were likely far less lavish, consisting simply of cooked meat covered with a crust of mashed potato. Over the centuries, it has evolved, with additions of vegetables and seasonings, into the comforting dish we know and savour today. While it shares a similarity with Shepherd's Pie, it's important to note that the latter is traditionally made with lamb, while our good old Cottage Pie is made with beef. So, when you tuck into your next serving of Cottage Pie, remember to tip your hat to the practicality and ingenuity of the 18th-century British working class.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.