Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s made with everyday ingredients, and you can customize it based on what you have on hand. This version is quick and approachable, using ground beef and frozen or fresh vegetables, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes that crisp beautifully in the oven. Perfect for make-ahead meals and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and corn. Cook for 5–10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
Meanwhile, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top, using a fork to create texture for browning.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Total time: 1 hour
Variations
Cheesy topping: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Sweet potato mash: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.
Add wine: Deglaze the beef mixture with a splash of red wine for richer flavor.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
To freeze, cool the pie completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven, covered with foil, at 375°F (190°C) for 60–75 minutes, or until hot.
FAQs
What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
Cottage pie uses ground beef, while shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb. Otherwise, the recipes are quite similar.
Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
Can I freeze cottage pie?
Absolutely. It freezes well either before or after baking. Make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?
Let the beef mixture cool slightly before topping with mashed potatoes. This helps the layers stay distinct.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch, but freshly made mash gives better flavor and texture.
What kind of potatoes are best for mashing?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and result in fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter version of cottage pie.
How do I get a golden brown top?
Use a fork to rough up the surface of the mashed potatoes and bake until browned. You can also broil for a minute or two at the end.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and milk for the mashed potatoes to make the dish dairy-free.
What vegetables can I add?
You can include mushrooms, green beans, or parsnips—use whatever you have available or prefer.
Conclusion
Easy Cottage Pie is a warm, filling meal that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals ahead, or simply craving a cozy dish, this recipe hits the spot. With its versatile ingredients and classic taste, it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints.
Easy Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort food made with savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for a weeknight family dinner.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:British
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
1/2 cup corn (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and corn. Cook for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until tender.
Drain the potatoes and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top and use a fork to create texture.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and filling is bubbling.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the meat mixture cool slightly before adding mashed potatoes to prevent sinking.Add shredded cheese on top of mashed potatoes before baking for extra richness.You can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch, but fresh gives better texture.This dish freezes well—wrap tightly for up to 2 months.Swap in lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
