Cottage pie is a classic comfort dish made with a rich, savory ground beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. This recipe focuses on depth of flavor, proper technique, and a well-balanced texture.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 2.5 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into even chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Beef Filling
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 tablespoon butter for dotting the top
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Potato masher or ricer
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.
- Cook the potatoes for 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and break apart easily.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Allow them to steam for 1–2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Add the butter and begin mashing the potatoes.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk while mashing, adjusting the amount until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 4–6 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook the beef until fully browned, about 7–9 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat mixture and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Mix thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in peas or corn if using, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Cottage Pie
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the beef filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, starting around the edges and working inward to seal the filling.
- Use a spatula or fork to spread the potatoes evenly.
- Create light ridges on the surface with a fork to help the top brown evenly.
- Dot the surface with small pieces of butter if desired.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the assembled cottage pie in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- For a deeper golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the final 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove the cottage pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- This resting time allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Tips for Best Results
- Use starchy potatoes for a fluffier topping.
- Do not overwork the mashed potatoes, as this can make them gluey.
- Allow the filling to thicken properly before assembling to prevent a watery pie.









