Cottage Pie

There is something so cozy about a hot savory dish like cottage pie on a cold winter evening. This recipe hits all the spots of a great classic comfort food. Add this one to your next weekly meal plan and let me know what you think.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Serves: 6

What You’ll Need

• Large pot to boil potatoes
• Potato masher
• Silicone strainer to drain potatoes
• Measuring cups & spoons
• 9×9 baking dish

Ingredients

Meat Filling

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. crushed rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2.5 tsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup frozen peas & carrots

Potato Topping

2 lbs. golden potatoes
1 stick unsalted butter (8 tbsp.)
1/3 cup half & half
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Not the packaged pre-shredded cheese)

Instructions

Make the Meat Filling

1. Add oil to a large skillet & heat on medium-high for 2 minutes
2. Add onions, cook for 5 minutes or until they are translucent
3. Add ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon.
4. Add parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook 6-8 minutes or until meat is browned
5. Add minced garlic & Worcestershire sauce, cook for about 1 minute, then add flour and tomato paste. Mix well
6. Add broth & frozen vegetables, bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes
7. Remove the meat mixture from heat and set aside

Make the Potato Topping

1. Peel potatoes and cut into fourths, place them in a large pot of water. Bring water to a boil then simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
2. Drain the potatoes, let them rest in the pot for about 1 minute off the heat.
3. Add butter, half & half, pepper, salt, & garlic powder
4. Mash well
5. Add parmesan cheese & mix well to incorporate

Assembling the Cottage Pie

1. Pour the meat mixture into the 9×9 inch baking dish, spread it evenly.
2. Top with the mashed potatoes, carefully spread in an even layer
3. Place your baking dish on a baking sheet to avoid spilling over into the oven.
4. Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes. Let dish cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• Use Russet potatoes for a thicker mashed potato topping.
• Add 1/2 cup frozen corn to your meat mixture to stretch the meal a bit
• While cooking, for the last couple of minutes put your oven on broil and brown the potatoes a bit. * Just don’t take your eye off it while on broil it can burn in less than a minute

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

Cottage pie is one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes in the winter months, it’s incredibly hearty and savory. Some people may refer to it as “Shepherd’s Pie” however traditionally cottage pie is made with ground beef and shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb. Grab the ingredients you need before the next snowfall and enjoy a delicious cozy meal with your family on a cold winter night. -Hey Ivy