Classic Cottage Pie Recipe
Classic cottage pie is the hearty hero we all need after a long day of questionable decisions. Rich, savory beef filling topped with buttery mashed potatoes—it’s comfort food at its finest. No frills, no fancy garnishes—just warm, satisfying layers that hug your taste buds better than your grandma ever could. Grab a fork and maybe some self-control—you’ll need both.
Classic Cottage Pie Recipe
A cozy, layered dish of seasoned beef and fluffy mashed potatoes, delivering the ultimate comfort food experience with zero pretentiousness.
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.
