This is the best cottage pie recipe that I've ever tried - and it comes from my granny! She always made this dish when I was growing up, and I have fond memories of sitting down to a big plate of her delicious pie. So, if you're looking for a classic cottage pie recipe that will comfort and satisfy you, look no further than this one! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- The beef is cooked in a rich gravy made with beef broth wine and tomato paste, which gives it loads of flavor.
- Granny's secret ingredient is Worcestershire sauce - just a splash adds an extra depth of flavor that takes this pie to the next level.
- The mashed potato topping is nice and fluffy, and it's baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
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- ground beef 80/20 is my recommendation for the beef
- large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
- carrots, peeled and diced about 3 carrots
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- tomato paste
- all-purpose flour
- beef broth preferably low-sodium
- Worcestershire sauce
- ground thyme
- salt
- black pepper
- frozen corn
- frozen peas
- mashed potatoes
- salted butter, melted optional topping
- fresh thyme, optional garnish
Equipment
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Preheat oven to 400°F or 204°C. Have a 9" x13" casserole dish set aside.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes according to the recipe or use leftover mashed potatoes.
- 2 pounds mashed potatoes
- In a large saute pan over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, and carrot. Saute and break up the ground beef until browned (no pink color to the meat, and vegetables are soft. Drain and discard excess grease.
- Add to the pan tomato paste, all-purpose flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Raise heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once the beef mixture comes to a boil, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the corn and peas.
- Pour the beef mixture into the casserole dish. Top with the prepared mashed potatoes.
- Optional, use a fork to make ridges in the mashed potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 -35 minutes. The gravy will be bubbling and the tops of the potatoes crispy and golden.
- Serve and enjoy
Storage
This casserole can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezer Instructions:
If you would like to meal plan this meal, make it in an aluminum tin and wrap well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The casserole can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and heat as per instructions. Or cook from frozen for at least 1 ½ hours, until the casserole is completely cooked through.
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: This is a great recipe to make ahead of time! The beef mixture can be cooked and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The beef mixture can be cooked and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
You could use diced green beans or any other veggie that you like.
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch. You can omit the flour altogether. The gravy will be slightly thinner, but still delicious!
Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead.
Cottage pie is made with ground beef and shepherd's pie is traditionally made with ground lamb. The two have become interchanged but traditionally this is the difference between the two meals.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and double the amount of vegetables.
- Replace the beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra cheesy goodness!
- Make mini pies by spooning the beef mixture into muffin tins, and reducing the bake time.
- You can also use two bags of frozen mixed vegetables instead of the separate recipes.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh oven roasted green beans are super crisp, tender, and crunchy. And, make for a delicious side dish to serve with this recipe.
- Roasted Zucchini is an easy and cheesy side dish recipe that your whole family will love.
- Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, perfectly seasoned, silky smooth and creamy sweet potatoes and is a comforting side dish to pair with this meal.
Similar recipes
- Bangers and Mash is a delicious blend of tender sausage, caramelized onion in a mouthwatering brown gravy made with Guinness beer it's a hearty meal that is perfect any time of year!
- Crockpot Corn Chowder is a creamy comfort food that is perfect for chilly days. This recipe is easy to make, and can be made in the slow cooker.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a delicious, hearty meal that is perfect for a winter night. This recipe is easy to make and family friendly.
- Turkey Pot Pie, another delicious meal that is great to use leftovers.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cottage Pie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 is my recommendation for the beef
- 2 large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
- 1 ½ cups carrots, peeled and diced about 3 carrots note 2
- 2 stalks celery, diced about ¼ cup
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth preferably low-sodium
- 2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn, defrosted note 2
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas, defrosted note 2
- 2 pounds mashed potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter, melted optional topping
- fresh thyme, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F or 204°C. Have a 9" x13" casserole dish set aside.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes according to the recipe or use leftover mashed potatoes.2 pounds mashed potatoes
- In a large saute pan over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, and carrot. Saute and break up the ground beef until browned (no pink color to the meat, and vegetables are soft. Drain and discard excess grease.
- Add to the pan tomato paste, all-purpose flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Raise heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once the beef mixture comes to a boil, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the corn and peas.
- Pour the beef mixture into the casserole dish. Top with the prepared mashed potatoes.
- Optional, use a fork to make ridges in the mashed potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 -35 minutes. The gravy will be bubbling and the tops of the potatoes crispy and golden.
- Serve and enjoy
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