Description
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
