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Round white ceramic dish filled with freshly baked cottage pie, topped with golden mashed potatoes and showing beef, peas, and carrots.

cottage pie recipe

Cottage pie is a classic British comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This easy recipe for 4 people takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and delivers a warm, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: British
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the meat filling:
  • 500 g 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping:
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook the potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15 minutes). Drain, mash with butter and milk. Add salt. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the meat filling: In a pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, carrot, and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Mix in peas. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble the pie: Spread meat filling in a baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes. Use a fork to create texture.
  5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden.