This cottage pie recipe is both simple and deeply flavorful. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together in under an hour, and provides a warm, wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy. The combination of seasoned meat, tender vegetables, and rich mashed potatoes makes it a complete one-dish meal. It’s also great for meal prep and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion (chopped)
Carrots (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Frozen peas
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Flour (or cornstarch, for thickening)
Salt
Black pepper
Mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or made fresh)
Butter (for mashed potatoes)
Milk or cream (for mashed potatoes)
Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the peas and remove from heat.
Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes.
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 makes about 4 to 6 servings. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Use ground lamb for a more traditional Shepherd’s Pie flavor.
Add diced celery or corn for extra vegetables.
Use sweet potato mash instead of regular mashed potatoes for a twist.
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives in the mashed potatoes.
For a cheesy crust, mix cheddar into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before baking.
Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to lighten the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through. To freeze, assemble the pie and let it cool completely. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
Cottage pie is made with ground beef, while shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with ground lamb.
Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes for the topping?
Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, for a quicker option, instant mashed potatoes work well, though homemade provides better texture and flavor.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to thicken the filling.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potato topping?
Absolutely. Mixing in shredded cheese or adding a layer on top gives extra richness and flavor.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, cottage pie freezes well both before and after baking. Just be sure to store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish works well for 4 to 6 servings.
Can I add herbs to the meat filling?
Yes, thyme, rosemary, or parsley add excellent flavor to the beef mixture.
What sides go well with cottage pie?
It pairs well with a green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Conclusion
Easy Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food — simple to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable. With its flavorful meat filling and smooth mashed potato topping, it’s a cozy dish that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or freezing for later, this is one meal everyone will look forward to.
Easy Cottage Pie is a classic British comfort dish featuring seasoned ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for any night of the week.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:British
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
3–4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or fresh)
2 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes)
1/4 cup milk or cream (for mashed potatoes)
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onions and diced carrots; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to combine.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened. Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.
Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly over the meat layer.
Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden on top and bubbling around the edges.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use ground lamb instead of beef for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie.Sweet potato mash makes a delicious alternative topping.Mix cheddar cheese into mashed potatoes for added richness.Make dairy-free with plant-based butter and milk in the mash.Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
