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Cottage Pie

Recipes

Jennifer Scott
August 30, 2025

Why make this recipe

Cottage pie is a classic dish that is both comforting and satisfying. It brings together a flavorful beef filling and creamy mashed potatoes, making it a great meal for family dinners or cozy nights in. This easy cottage pie is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a dish that everyone in the family can enjoy!

How to make Easy Cottage Pie

Ingredients:

50ml/2fl oz olive oil
1 large onion or 3–4 banana shallots, finely chopped
650g/1lb 7oz beef mince
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp plain flour
150ml/5fl oz red wine
4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
400ml/14fl oz beef stock
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
900g/2lb King Edward potatoes, peeled and chopped
115g/4oz butter
125ml/4½fl oz milk
150g/5½oz frozen peas
50g/1¾oz butter (for the peas)

Directions:

Heat half the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Take the onion out and place it on a plate.
Return the pan to the heat and add the rest of the oil. When it’s hot, fry the mince in batches for 4–5 minutes, or until browned all over.
Stir the cooked onion back into the pan along with the tomato purée. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any caramelized bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the thyme.
Add the beef stock and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the mince is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Keep the mixture warm on very low heat.
For the mashed potatoes, put the chopped potatoes in a pan of salted water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let them simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Place them back on the heat for about a minute to drive off excess moisture. Mash well, then mix in the butter and milk until smooth. Season to taste.
Preheat the grill to high. Place the cottage pie filling in a baking dish and spread the mash on top. Grill for 8–10 minutes, or until golden-brown.
While it’s grilling, boil the peas in a small saucepan for 3–4 minutes. Drain and mix in the butter. Serve the cottage pie with the peas on the side.

How to serve Easy Cottage Pie

Serve the cottage pie hot, straight from the oven. Make sure to scoop out a generous portion and pair it with the buttery peas on the side. It’s a hearty meal perfect for any dinner table!

How to store Easy Cottage Pie

If you have leftovers, let the cottage pie cool completely. Then, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Easy Cottage Pie

For extra flavor in the filling, consider adding some chopped carrots or celery while cooking the onion.
Use a potato ricer for a creamier mash.
If you like your pie spicy, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.

Variation

You can switch out the beef mince for lamb mince if you prefer. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover roast beef for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use leftover roast beef. Just chop it up and add it to the sauce for a quick and easy meal.

Q: Can I make cottage pie in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when ready to serve.

Q: What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
A: King Edward potatoes are great for mashing due to their fluffy texture. You can also use Maris Piper or Yukon Gold for a creamy mash.

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Jennifer Scott

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