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The Best Classic Cottage Pie Recipe: Hearty Ground Beef Comfort

A close-up of a serving of cottage pie showing rich meat filling and a browned, crispy mashed potato topping.
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Make this classic cottage pie for a hearty, comforting family dinner. This recipe features a rich ground beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden. It is a perfect weeknight dinner comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Mash the potatoes with the warmed milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  5. Stir in the flour and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in the frozen peas. Remove the skillet from the heat. This rich savory filling is now ready.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  9. Top the beef mixture evenly with the prepared mashed potatoes. Use a fork to create texture on the surface; this helps it brown nicely. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if you are using it.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is golden brown. Let the baked beef casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make ahead cottage pie, assemble the entire dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
  • For an authentic cottage pie flavor, use good quality beef broth and do not skip the Worcestershire sauce.
  • If you prefer a smoother topping, press the mashed potatoes through a ricer before spreading them over the filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/best-classic-easy-cottage-pie-recipe/