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Easy Classic Cottage Pie Recipe with Ground Beef

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A comforting classic, this easy cottage pie features savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with a cheesy golden crust—perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (1 kg) ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • 7 oz (200 g) carrots, diced
  • 7 oz (200 g) peas, fresh or frozen
  • 3.5 pounds (1.5 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/3 cup (33 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper, stir in the cheddar cheese, and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the meat, stir well, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Gradually add the beef broth while stirring. Add the carrots and peas, then simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  8. Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 13×9-inch (33×22 cm) baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth them out. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
  10. Let the cottage pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Swap vegetables with corn, green beans, or celery if desired.
  • Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch.
  • Dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months, baked or unbaked.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/easy-classic-cottage-pie-recipe-with-ground-beef/