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Traditional Cottage Pie

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Traditional Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort dish made with savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich gravy, all topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers that taste even better the next day.

  • Author: Chef Sarah
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Total Time: 105 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

1.1 lbs ground beef (mince)

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

1 cup frozen corn (optional)

3.3 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup milk or cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 8–10 minutes.

  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Sprinkle flour over the beef and mix well. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

  4. Stir in broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 30–60 minutes.

  5. Add frozen peas and corn in the last 10 minutes of simmering.

  6. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

  7. Drain and mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Layer beef filling in a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with cheese if using.

  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.

  10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use lentils or plant-based mince for a vegetarian version.
  • Swap mashed potatoes with sweet potato mash for a twist.
  • Prepare in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months.
  • Add mushrooms or other vegetables for more texture.

Find it online: https://cookingwithsarah.com/traditional-cottage-pie/