Classic Cottage Pie Recipe
Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a hearty meal to warm your soul. This classic dish features a savory meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. It’s a family favorite that brings everyone to the table, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Imagine digging into a steaming plate of Cottage Pie, where tender minced beef meets a rich gravy, all enveloped in a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a dish that feels both indulgent and homely.
Understanding Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie is a traditional dish that has warmed the hearts of many.
With its roots in British cuisine, this delightful meal features a savory filling of ground beef combined with a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich gravy.
Topped with a comforting layer of creamy mashed potatoes, it’s no wonder this dish is often considered a family favorite.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The primary components include ground beef, which provides a hearty base, and a selection of vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas that infuse the dish with flavor and nutrition.
Tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce enhance the richness of the filling, while a sprinkle of salt and pepper ties everything together.
The crowning glory is the mashed potatoes — they should be fluffy and buttery, creating a delightful contrast to the savory filling.
Preparation Steps for Success
Getting ready to make Cottage Pie? Start by prepping your ingredients — chop the vegetables and measure out your seasonings.
Cooking the beef mixture is key; achieving the right balance of flavors makes all the difference.
As the beef browns, the aroma fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a comforting meal.
Cooking Techniques to Keep in Mind
Sautéing the vegetables before adding the beef allows them to soften and release their flavors into the dish.
Simmering the filling with broth and seasoning achieves a thick, savory mixture that is simply irresistible.
When assembling, ensure an even spread of mashed potatoes on top for a beautiful golden finish once baked.
Serving Suggestions for Cottage Pie
This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of gravy for an extra layer of richness.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a pop of color that brightens the plate.
Why Cottage Pie is a Timeless Choice
Its simplicity and heartiness make Cottage Pie a go-to comfort food.
It’s versatile enough to adapt with seasonal ingredients or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a fulfilling meal any day, this classic dish remains a beloved staple in many kitchens.
The Best Cottage Pie Recipe
This Cottage Pie is a comforting blend of tender ground beef cooked with onions, carrots, and peas, enveloped in a rich gravy and topped with a fluffy layer of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a filling and flavorful dish that will leave you and your loved ones satisfied.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble: Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing out with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Classic Cottage Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups mashed potatoes store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble: Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing out with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.