Cottage Pie – Clara quick dinners

Cottage Pie is a beloved British comfort food featuring a savory ground beef filling simmered with vegetables and herbs, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a wholesome, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort – Warm, rich, and filling, this dish hits all the right notes.
• Family favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Easy to make ahead – Assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
• Customizable – Use your favorite vegetables or swap the protein.
• One-dish meal – Everything you need in a complete dinner—protein, veggies, and starch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• Ground beef (or lamb for a more traditional “Shepherd’s Pie”)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Carrot, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Dried thyme
• Frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter for sautéing

For the mashed potato topping:

• Potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Butter
• Milk or cream
• Salt and pepper
• Egg yolk (optional, for extra richness and color)

Directions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in peas.
5. Assemble the pie: Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly and fluffing the surface with a fork for texture.
6. Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Shepherd’s Pie – Use ground lamb instead of beef.
• Vegetarian Version – Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
• Cheesy Top – Add shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes before baking.
• Sweet Potato Topping – Swap regular potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes.
• Low-Carb Option – Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or fully baked pie for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?

Cottage Pie is made with beef, while Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb.

Can I freeze Cottage Pie?

Yes, it freezes well both before and after baking.

What’s the best potato for the topping?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives for the mash.

Can I use other meats?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling if needed.

What vegetables can I add?

Corn, green beans, or parsnips all work well in the filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Why is my filling too runny?

Make sure to simmer long enough for the liquid to reduce and thicken.

How do I get a golden topping?

Add an egg yolk to the mashed potatoes or broil briefly after baking.

Conclusion

Cottage Pie is a timeless, comforting meal that delivers big on flavor and heartiness. With simple ingredients and classic preparation, it’s the perfect go-to for a family dinner or make-ahead freezer meal. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own twist, it’s bound to become a favorite.

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