Beef Cottage Pie Recipe
Beef cottage pie is the edible equivalent of a warm hug—just with less emotional baggage and more buttery mashed potatoes. This savory masterpiece layers seasoned beef with fluffy, golden-topped potatoes. It’s comfort food with zero pretension and maximum flavor. Whether you’re surviving a long week or simply hungry for something hearty, this dish delivers every time. Ready to dig into layers of pure, satisfying goodness? Don’t say I didn’t warn you—it’s hard to stop at one serving.

Beef Cottage Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 500 g ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 4 large potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Simmer the filling: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
- Boil the potatoes: While the filling cooks, boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes: Add milk and butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 460
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 30%
- Iron: 25%
- Potassium: 20%
- Calcium: 15%
- Vitamin C: 12%
Additional Notes/Tips:
- Potato Perfection: Don’t overwork mashed potatoes, or they turn gluey—nobody wants that.
- Beef Swap: Ground lamb makes it a shepherd’s pie, if you’re feeling fancy.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas for extra color and sweetness.
- Cheese Hack: Mix cheese into the potatoes for a gooey surprise.