Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie Recipe – A classic British comfort food made with ground beef, sausage, vegetables, and a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. This easy homemade cottage pie is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and weeknight meals. Learn how to make the best traditional cottage pie with simple ingredients for a hearty and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 lb (450 g) ground sausage (or lamb for a shepherd’s pie version)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1–2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup frozen corn
• ½ cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 ½ pounds (about 1.1 kg) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
   • Place the potatoes in a large pot with about 3 inches of water. Cover and bring to a boil.
   • Cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain well.
   • Leave the potatoes in the hot pot, cover, and let them steam for a few minutes.
   • Mash lightly with a potato masher (avoid overmixing). Stir in butter, sour cream, milk, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Meat Filling
   • In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Break the meat into small pieces as it browns.
   • Drain excess grease, leaving just a little in the pan. Transfer meat to a plate.
   • Add onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 5–8 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and flour, cooking for 1 minute.
   • Add beef broth, bouillon cube, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
   • Remove bay leaves, then stir in frozen peas, corn, and the cooked meat.
4. Assemble and Bake
   • Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, covering it completely.
   • Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
   • Let cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken.
5. Storage
   Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.

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Tips

• For creamier potatoes, use Yukon Golds; for fluffier ones, use Russets.
• Let the meat mixture cool slightly before topping with mashed potatoes so they spread more evenly.
• Place a baking sheet under the skillet in the oven to catch any overflow.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap sausage for lamb or turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, green beans, or parsnips for extra depth.
• Cheese: Replace cheddar with Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

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FAQs

Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pie up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
Cottage pie is made with beef, while shepherd’s pie traditionally uses lamb.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.
• Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the savory gravy.
• Add a glass of red wine or a pint of ale for a comforting pub-style meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cottage pie is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. The savory beef and sausage filling is rich and satisfying, while the creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping makes every bite irresistible. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.