It’s the ultimate comfort food meal, and simple to make with this traditional English recipe. There might not be any dish more cozy and comforting than a big pan filled with savory ground beef and gravy that is topped with a creamy mashed potato crust! This Cottage Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to feed your family a homecooked, classic meal that is filling, nutritious and delicious. Check out some of my other favorite comfort food recipes, like Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Ground Beef Stroganoff. Deanna
Cottage Pie or Shepherd’s Pie?
Wondering what the difference is? This potato-covered casserole recipe with ground beef is often called a shepherd’s pie, but the two are actually slightly different. Shepherd’s pie is this exact same recipe, but it’s made with lamb rather than beef. This beef casserole recipe will teach you the most common way to make a cottage pie, but you can replace the beef with any other meat you have. It’s a great way to use up leftovers. You can even make a vegetarian version of this savory meat pie with my Lentil Cottage Pie recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients in Cottage Pie
Here’s what you need to make the best cottage pie recipe:
Beef: Lean ground beef is my go-to when I’m making ground beef casserole recipes. Choose 90/10 beef for plenty of flavor and less extra fat. Potatoes: Mashed potatoes make up the top layer of the casserole! In the US, use Russet or Yukon gold potatoes. In the UK, use Maris Piper. Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese makes everything more delicious! It’s technically optional, but I love the added flavor that cheddar gives the mashed potatoes. Aromatics: The savory gravy starts with onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. For the Sauce: Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef stock, and a couple of bay leaves make the gravy for your cottage pie amazingly flavorful. Peas: I know that not everyone is a big fan of peas in their casseroles, so you can leave them out if you like!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make A Cottage Pie
This casserole is made with two distinct layers. First, we’ll make the creamy, fluffy potato layer. Then we’ll cook the meat and vegetables in their savory gravy. To save time, start cooking the beef while the potatoes are boiling! You’ll also want your oven preheated to 350°F (180°C).
Recipe Tips
Choose Your Baking Dish: This recipe works perfectly in a 9×13-inch rectangular casserole dish. You can also bake cottage pie in a 12-inch round baking dish or a large, deep, oven-proof skillet. Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This dish works perfectly with leftover mashed potatoes, or potatoes that you cooked ahead of time just for this purpose. Add Some Wine: Traditionally, a half cup of red wine is cooked with the beef after it’s been browned. Try this trick to add an even richer flavor to the dish. Make Ahead: This is an easy recipe to prep ahead of time! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking. Wrap it well and store it in the refrigerator overnight or up to 2 days in advance. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Storing Tips
Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Leftover portions are easy to reheat in the microwave.
What To Serve With Cottage Pie
This hearty comfort dish with meat, vegetables, and potatoes is already a full meal! Don’t stress too much about side dishes, but a batch of homemade dinner rolls and a simple side salad are the perfect extras. Make sure to save this Cottage Pie Recipe! It’s truly the best, and I know that your family is going to rave about it and ask you to make it again and again. © Little Sunny Kitchen
