This cottage pie recipe uses everyday ingredients, comes together quickly, and is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. It’s rich, meaty, and full of home-cooked goodness. The contrast between the savory beef filling and the fluffy mashed potatoes makes every bite satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Carrots (diced)
Frozen peas
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Salt and black pepper
Dried thyme
Mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
Butter (for mashed potatoes)
Milk or cream (for mashed potatoes)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in frozen peas and remove from heat.
Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly.
Use a fork to create ridges on the potato topping (optional, for extra crispiness).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Variations
Cheesy Top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
Ground Turkey or Lamb: Substitute beef with ground turkey or lamb for a lighter or more traditional twist.
Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based meat and vegetable broth.
Root Veg Mash: Replace potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a flavorful change.
Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley or rosemary for more aroma and depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze cottage pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
Cottage pie is made with ground beef, while shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb.
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Yes, store-bought mashed potatoes work great for a time-saving shortcut.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from sinking?
Let the meat filling cool slightly before spreading the potatoes on top.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze cottage pie?
Yes, freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap it well and label it for up to 2 months.
What’s the best baking dish to use?
An 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish works well.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Yes, mix in grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for extra richness.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Corn, green beans, mushrooms, or celery are great additions.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Ensure all ingredients, especially broth and Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free.
Is this recipe good for picky eaters?
Yes, it’s a kid-friendly, simple dish with familiar flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Easy Cottage Pie is a classic comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. With its rich beef filling and smooth mashed potato topping, it delivers satisfying flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re making it fresh or from leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Easy Cottage Pie is a hearty and comforting dish made with savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. This British classic is perfect for cozy dinners and easy enough for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup beef broth
3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes)
1/4 cup milk or cream (for mashed potatoes)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5–10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in frozen peas, then remove from heat.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a baking dish.
Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly over the meat. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the meat mixture cool slightly before adding mashed potatoes to prevent sinking.Add shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.Substitute ground beef with turkey, lamb, or lentils for variation.Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.Use gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version.
