Simple English Cottage Pie

Snuggle up with this comforting English cottage pie recipe.

What Is a Cottage Pie?

Cottage pie is a traditional English casserole made with minced meat (typically ground beef), rich gravy, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping.

Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie

The terms “shepherd’s pie” and “cottage pie” are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef.

How to Prepare Cottage Pie

Below is the full, detailed recipe, but here’s a quick summary of the steps you can expect when making homemade cottage pie:

1. Brown the meat, then mix in flour and spices.
2. Add broth and tomato paste to the beef, season, and simmer until the mixture thickens.
3. Boil the potatoes until soft, drain, and mash with milk, butter, and seasoning.
4. Layer the beef mixture, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Best Pairings for Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is a filling dish on its own, so it doesn’t necessarily require a side. However, if you prefer to add something extra, consider serving it with a fresh side salad or a vegetable accompaniment.

How to Store Leftover Cottage Pie

• To store: Store cottage pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• To freeze: Wrap the completely cooled cottage pie in a layer of storage wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Store the pie in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Dinogo Community Reviews and Recommendations

“Absolutely delicious,” shares France C. “I almost halved the recipe, but I’m so glad I didn’t! We all went back for seconds! It’s such a comforting meal with rich, beefy flavor, sweet caramelized carrots, and a subtle hint of cinnamon.”

“It’s perfect as is, but it’s also simple to make your own variations,” says frecklesotool. “I’ve tried lamb, beef, turkey, as well as tomatoes, green beans, and asparagus.”

“It was a chilly day and we were craving something warm and comforting, so I decided to try this, and it was a massive success,” shares Kbonnallie. “I hoped for leftovers, but the dish was completely gone.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 carrots, diced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 ½ cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• salt and pepper to taste

• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• ¼ pound shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare all the ingredients.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the onion and carrot, cooking and stirring until the onion softens, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in flour, Italian seasoning, and cinnamon, followed by parsley.

In a jug, mix together beef broth and tomato paste, then add to the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In the meantime, place diced potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain, then mash until smooth. Add milk and butter, and whip until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the ground beef mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, then spread the mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve and savor the dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving)