Ready for a comforting classic? This savory ground beef cottage pie is a delicious homemade dinner recipe perfect for any night. You’ll love the rich beef filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. Ground turkey or lentils work as a vegetarian substitute.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best for mashing. Sweet potatoes can also be used for a different flavor.
- Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and corn add flavor and nutrition. Feel free to use a frozen mixed vegetable blend.
- Beef Broth: Essential for the savory gravy. Vegetable broth can be used instead.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
- Tools Needed: Large oven-safe baking dish (9×13 inch recommended), large skillet, large pot, potato masher or electric mixer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Create the Savory Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring well for one minute to coat. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and corn.
5. Mash the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the pot and add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer for this step.
6. Assemble and Bake the Cottage Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the ground beef filling to your oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef filling, spreading to the edges. You can create decorative peaks with a fork. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the potato topping is golden brown.
Variation Ideas:
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking for an extra savory crust.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling along with the other vegetables.
- Herbaceous: Experiment with other dried herbs like oregano or bay leaf for different flavor profiles in your homemade dinner recipes.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you prepare cottage pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire pie, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
Traditionally, cottage pie uses ground beef, while shepherd’s pie uses ground lamb. This is a classic homemade dinner recipe with ground beef.
Can you freeze cottage pie?
Absolutely! Once cooled, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Why is my mashed potato topping watery?
Ensure your potatoes are thoroughly drained after boiling. Excess water can lead to a watery mash.
What side dishes pair well with cottage pie?
A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or crusty bread are excellent complements to this hearty homemade dinner recipe.
Can you make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.