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Homemade Cottage Pie (Beef) photo

Cottage Pie (Beef)

This Cottage Pie (Beef) is a comforting, hearty dish featuring savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes for a timeless, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup green peas frozen or fresh
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Baking dish (8x8 inch or similar)
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Oven mitts
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Cottage Pie (Beef) Cooking Guide
  1. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for a minute to deepen the flavors. Then pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until slightly thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
  4. If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, prepare them now by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then mashing with butter, salt, and pepper until creamy. You can swap in mashed sweet potatoes for a vibrant twist.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the beef and vegetable filling into your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the mashed potatoes on top and spread to cover the filling completely. For an extra golden, bubbly finish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  6. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If you love a crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes—just watch closely!
  7. Let the Cottage Pie (Beef) rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice. Serve hot with your favorite side or a simple green salad.

Notes

  • Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the filling; don’t skip it!
  • For creamier mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream while mashing.
  • The filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to save time.