Print

Classic Cottage Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 59 reviews

Classic Cottage Pie is a comforting British dish featuring a rich ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. This hearty meal combines savory flavors from herbs, wine, and parmesan cheese, making it perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 lb (1kg) ground beef / beef mince
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 1 cup (250ml) red wine
  • 3 cups (750ml) beef stock
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 2-3 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1-2 tsp black pepper (to taste)

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 2 lb (1kg) potatoes
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned all over.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir for another minute to combine.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Add the beef stock and rosemary sprig, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the gravy has thickened and vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash until smooth. Stir in butter until melted, then gradually add the heavy cream until the mash is thick and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the meat filling into an oven-safe baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, starting from the edges to seal in the filling. Spread evenly and use a fork to create ridges on the surface.
  7. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. For extra color, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cottage pie to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie variation.
  • Red wine adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with additional beef stock for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes enhances their flavor.
  • Make sure to create ridges in the mashed topping to help it crisp nicely when baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/classic-cottage-pie-recipe/