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The BEST Classic Cottage Pie Recipe (Hearty Ground Beef Casserole)

cottage pie recipe - Tasty
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Make this classic cottage pie recipe for a hearty, comforting ground beef casserole topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden. This traditional British dinner staple is perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (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 butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Season the filling generously with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Top the beef filling evenly with the prepared mashed potatoes. Use a fork to create texture on the potato surface; this helps it brown nicely.
  10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is golden brown.
  12. Let the cottage pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor in the filling, substitute half the beef broth with a dark beer, like a stout.
  • If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, assemble the pie in a separate 9×13 inch baking dish after preparing the filling on the stovetop.
  • This is a true cottage pie recipe; we use ground beef. Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses ground lamb.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/cottage-pie-recipe/