Description
A rich, savory filling of ground meat and vegetables topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, this comforting Cottage Pie is perfect for family dinners. Full of warmth and flavor, it’s a no-fuss dish that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground lamb or beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas (or fresh)
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
4 lbs potatoes (russet or all-purpose)
2 tbsp butter (for mashing)
1/4 cup milk (whole or non-dairy)
2 tbsp flour (all-purpose or cornstarch)
1 tbsp butter (for mashed potato topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; brown ground meat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté 5-7 minutes until softened
Add tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook 2 minutes, stirring
Pour in beef broth. Bring to simmer, add frozen peas, and cook 10-15 minutes until thickened (stirring occasionally). Season with salt and pepper
While filling simmers, peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted water until tender (10-15 minutes)
Drain potatoes and mash with butter, milk, and flour until smooth. Add additional flour/milk for desired texture
Transfer meat mixture to a 9×13-inch oven-safe dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top, using a spatula to create a rustic texture
Bake 25-30 minutes until potatoes are golden and crisp. Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Notes
For a visually striking presentation, use a metal spatula to carve ridges in the mashed potato topping
If using lamb, reduce cooking time 5 minutes total and adjust spices to complement milder flavor
To keep mashed potatoes from browning, hold them in a covered saucepan over low heat until filling is ready
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 8000mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg