Are you ready to dive into the most soul-warming, flavor-packed dish that will transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of Britain? Cottage Pie is not just a meal; it's a culinary hug that combines rich, savory meat with creamy, golden-topped mashed potatoes. Whether you're looking to impress your family, comfort yourself on a chilly evening, or simply indulge in a classic comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or lamb, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a nice golden color.
- Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix in tomato paste, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add frozen peas and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, creating an even layer. Use a fork to create decorative peaks and ridges on the potato surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, portioning out generous servings that include both the meat filling and potato topping.
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: While traditionally made with lamb (Shepherd's Pie), ground beef works wonderfully. For the most flavor, choose meat with a slightly higher fat content.
- Potato Perfection: For the ultimate mashed potato topping, use starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper. Ensure they're well-seasoned and creamy before spreading.
- Texture Technique: When spreading mashed potatoes, use a fork to create peaks and ridges. These will become deliciously crispy and golden brown in the oven.
- Don't Rush the Browning: Take time to properly brown the meat. This develops deep, rich flavors that make the dish truly exceptional.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This pie can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Leftover Magic: Cottage Pie tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make extra!
- Serving Suggestion: Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
