Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (2024)

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Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (3)

Cottage Pie is my go-to dinner when I need something delicious, nourishing and comforting to end a busy day with. My version of this classic recipe is loaded with extra vegetables, which I grate to suit even the fussiest of eaters. As the pie cooks, the vegetables disintegrate to create a flavour-packed gravy. Although it’s a simple recipe, there is a little bit of extra preparation involved (having to make mashed potatoes to top the pie with) and of course a longer cooking time while the pie bakes in the oven until perfectly golden. The good news is that the entire thing can be made in advance and either refrigerated or frozen, so making extra will always pay off for those rainy days when you don’t necessarily feel like cooking, but want the comfort of a home-cooked meal.

Can cottage pie be frozen?

Yes! Cottage Pie is the perfect meal to make ahead of time and freeze, ready for when you need it. Simply follow the recipe steps and assemble the pie. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, then cover with foil and bake at 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced) for 45 minutes, covered, and an additional 30 minutes uncovered.

Can I make cottage pie vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the beef mince with tinned lentils and replace the beef stock with vegetable stock. You can also omit the butter, milk and Parmesan cheese if desired. Simply spray the top of the mashed potatoes with olive oil prior to baking instead.

What extra vegetables can I add to cottage pie?

You can add up to 3 cups of vegetables to this cottage pie recipe. Grate the vegetables using a good quality box grater so that they melt into the sauce or finely chop for a more chunky pie filling. Broccoli (including the stalks!), cauliflower, mushrooms, spinach leaves, kale and peas are all great additions. You can use frozen or fresh vegetables.

What is a mashed potato shortcut?

You can top the cottage pie with store-bought potato gems/tater tots for a super quick and easy dinner or use store-bought mashed potato (although this will hike up the overall cost of the meal).

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Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (4)

Cottage Pie

★★★★★5 from 7 reviews
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Cottage Pie Filling

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced (or grated)
  • 1 tsp garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 2 zucchini/courgettes, grated
  • 1 kg beef mince/ground beef
  • 1/3 cup plain/all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Mashed Potato Topping

  • 1.2 kg potatoes (all-rounder), peeled and quartered
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup milk, slightly warmed (see note 1)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Cottage Pie Filling

  1. Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a large, deep pan. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring for 1 minute until slightly softened.
  2. Add the celery, carrot and zucchini. Cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
  3. Increase the heat to high, add the beef mince and cook for 4-5 minutes or until starting to brown.
  4. Stir in the flour, followed by the tomato paste.
  5. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low so that the sauce is just simmering.
  6. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook for a further 20 minutes, stirring regularly. The sauce will thicken into a lovely gravy (see note 2).
  7. Set the filling aside to cool.

Mashed Potato Topping

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil (you will need a pot large enough so that the potatoes are covered by at least 5 cm/2″ of water).
  2. Add the peeled, quartered potatoes to the water and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft enough to pierce with a fork.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat. Drain the potatoes using a colander and place the potatoes back in the pot. Allow them to steam dry for 1-2 minutes. This removes any excess water.
  4. Add the butter and mash the potatoes twice around the pot before adding the milk. Continue to mash until smooth and fluffy, and season with the salt.

Assemble Pie

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan).
  2. Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it into a large baking dish (approximately 30 x 25 cm or 12 x 10″). You can skip this step if you have made your filling in an oven-safe pan.
  3. Spoon the mashed potato on top of the beef mixture and use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. Do this while the mashed potato is hot, as it’s much easier to spread. Use a fork to rough up the surface gently.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Notes

Note 1– Warm the milk slightly in the microwave or a saucepan. It makes the mashed potato extra creamy and easier to spread out on top of the beef mixture.

Note 2– If the gravy is too thick, add 1 tbsp of water at a time until it is at your desired consistency. If it is too thin, continue cooking on high heat, stirring regularly until it meets your desired consistency. It should be thick enough for the mashed potato to sit on top without sinking.

MAKE AHEAD

Follow the recipe steps and assemble the pie. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, then cover with foil and bake at 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced) for 45 minutes covered and an additional 30 minutes uncovered.

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge before reheating. Leftovers are best frozen in individual serves and reheated in the microwave.

  • Author: Nicole
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
  • Category: Pie
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: English

Keywords: Cottage Pie, Cottage Pie recipe, easy cottage pie, family friendly cottage pie

Made this recipe? Tell me what you think:

Comments

  1. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (8)

    Kimberley says:

    Was delicious and super easy to make my husband has asked if I can make this again so definitely a winner 💕

    • Reply
  2. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (9)

    Karis Howard says:

    This was the best cottage pie I’ve ever eaten. I’ve made it twice now. I will never make another recipe now. Thanks Nic!

    • Reply
  3. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (11)

    kara.rosser1 says:

    My family love this – our new weekly favourite 💕

    • Reply
  4. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (12)

    vdjopa says:

    Another delicious recipe, my family loved it and went back for thirds!

    • Reply
  5. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (13)

    natashacook says:

    Amazing! My whole family of picky eaters loved it!

    • Reply
  6. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (14)

    madelinerundle says:

    Sooo delicious! Thank you x

    • Reply
  7. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (15)

    allyson.marshall.95 says:

    I can’t believe how simple and tasty this cottage pie is!! Packed full of veg and toddler approved!!! So much better and easier than how I was making it before thankyou!!!

    • Reply
  8. Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (16)

    bonniemackintosh says:

    So delicious, taste like a warm hug, such a beautiful comfort meal

    • Reply

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Cottage Pie Recipe | Simple Home Edit (2024)

FAQs

Why does my mash sink in cottage pie? ›

I just have 2 little tips to make your Cottage Pie a resounding success: To stop the potato from sinking into the filling, cool the filling first. But this isn't a deal breaker, it's just a visual thing ie if you don't cool the filling, the potato “bleeds” into the beef mixture; and.

Why does my cottage pie go sloppy? ›

It just sinks to the bottom, disintegrates and turns into slop. I'm not expert buy I would say your filling isn't thick enough or your potato needs bulking out with cheese. I'd say either your mash or cottage pie sauce isn't thick enough.

How long can you keep cooked cottage pie in the fridge? ›

How long can you keep Cottage Pie in the fridge? Once you've put it out, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours. If you allow any left overs to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill. You can keep leftovers of Cottage Pie in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.

Why is cottage pie called cottage? ›

The term cottage pie originated in England in the 18th Century to refer to a peasant food dish. It was a meal usually eaten by poorer people living in small cottages because the ingredients were affordable. Over time, it became more popular and was crowned cottage pie.

How to stop cottage pie from bubbling over? ›

🍴 How to dock your pie dough

If you're already docking and still having issues with bubbling, you may not be docking enough OR you may not be properly weighing your crust down during baking. Really make sure you're pressing the fork to the bottom of the pan, and when you think you have enough holes, add a few more.

How to stop mash sinking? ›

To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one. For a really crisp, golden topping, flash under the grill for a few mins before serving.

What can I use to thicken my shepherd's pie? ›

The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.

How can I make my pie more firm? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

How to make shepherd's pie less soupy? ›

Why is my Shepherd's Pie soupy? If your casserole is too runny, chances are you either didn't add enough flour to thicken the gravy or you didn't simmer it long enough to reduce the liquid. Also, make sure your potatoes are thoroughly drained before making the mashed potatoes, so the topping is not too sloppy.

How many times can you reheat homemade cottage pie? ›

Don't reheat leftovers more than once. If you have a big pot of soup, for example, it's better to take out what you need and reheat it in a smaller pan. Equally, the NHS recommends that you don't refreeze leftovers. This is because the more times you cool and reheat food, the higher the risk of food poisoning.

Can I freeze home made cottage pie? ›

Cooked cottage pies will also keep fresh for 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. When reheating cottage pies, preheat the oven to 160ºC / 320ºF then place your pie in the oven for 20-30 mins.

Can you make cottage pie to eat the next day? ›

Yes, make the cottage pie right up to the point before you put it in the oven. Then quickly cool, cover and refrigerate, along with the gravy. It should be fine in the fridge for up to a day.

What are the main ingredients of cottage pie? ›

This cottage pie made with savory ground beef, carrots, and onions is topped with fluffy mashed potato and Cheddar for a cheesy, comforting dinner the whole family will love. Serve with garden peas.

Why is it called Chinese pie? ›

Amanda: Here's how the legend goes: pâté chinois was created during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Chinese Canadian railway workers made the dish during construction. White Canadian workers adopted the recipe, and named it after them.

Does cottage pie contain tomato? ›

Add the tomato puree, tinned tomatoes, stock cube, bay leaf and salt and pepper to the mince mixture. Fill the tomato tin with water and add that as well. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes to reduce. Add the peas at the last minute and mix through.

Why does my mash sink? ›

Residual moisture from the potatoes will drip into the beef below as it cooks, and too much of it will cause the potatoes to eventually sink. Aside from ridding your potatoes of excess moisture before you mash them, it also helps to cool the beef down, BBC Good Food shares.

How do you fix too wet mashed potatoes? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

Why is my shepherd's pie falling apart? ›

How do you keep shepherd's pie from falling apart? Make sure your casserole dish is the right size. You should also have firm mashed potatoes so it won't fall apart when you're serving. As you put the topping on, don't press too hard, using a gentle touch to smooth it out.

Why are my mashed potatoes loose? ›

The easiest way to ensure that you don't run into a soupy spud problem is to use proper technique during the mashed potato cooking process, and avoid some common pitfalls. First and foremost, don't cut your potatoes too small or cook them too long.

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