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Introduction: Can a Hearty Dish Be Comforting, Economical, and Freezer-Friendly?

Craving a warm, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss? Cottage Pie, created by Dan Pelosi, layers savory ground beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 1,593 reviews, this classic recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Ready to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Let’s dive into this hearty recipe!

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Overview: Why Cottage Pie Shines

Cottage Pie is loved for its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and versatility. Here’s what makes it special:

Time Requirement: 20 minutes prep, 1 hour 40 minutes cooking, totaling 2 hours.
Difficulty Level: Easy—requires browning, simmering, mashing, and baking, ideal for all skill levels.
Why It’s Special: Ground beef and vegetables simmer in a thick, savory gravy, topped with creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes and baked until bubbly. This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly leftovers.

Ideal as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad or green beans for a complete feast.

Essential Ingredients

Cottage Pie uses pantry staples for a hearty, flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6-8 servings:

For the Filling

2 pounds ground beef: The hearty protein base.
Salt and black pepper: Seasons the dish.
2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness to the vegetables.
1 medium white or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup): Provides sweet depth.
2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about ½ cup): Adds crunch and flavor.
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped (about ½ cup): Contributes sweetness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses savory aroma.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Deepens the gravy’s flavor.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
2 cups beef broth: Forms the savory base.
½ cup dry red wine (or water): Adds depth and acidity.
½ cup frozen peas: Brings pops of sweetness.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami.
4 thyme sprigs: Adds herbal warmth.
2 dried bay leaves: Contributes savory notes.

For the Topping

Salt: Seasons the potatoes.
2 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes: Creates creamy mashed topping.
½ cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the mash.
5 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Enhances richness.
¾ cup grated Parmesan (about 1 ½ ounces): Adds nutty, savory flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, affordable base.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrots, and peas add texture and balance.
Gravy: Tomato paste, broth, wine, and Worcestershire create a thick, flavorful sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Russet potatoes and Parmesan form a creamy, golden topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for vegan.
Red Wine: Replace with beef broth, water, or non-alcoholic red wine.
Peas: Use frozen green beans, corn, or diced zucchini.
Flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour or 2 tablespoons cornstarch for gluten-free.
Russet Potatoes: Swap with Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a sweeter topping.
Parmesan: Replace with cheddar, Pecorino Romano, or omit for vegan (use nutritional yeast).
Milk: Use heavy cream for richer mash or plant-based milk for vegan.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat, vegan butter, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Shepherd’s Pie Twist: Use ground lamb instead of beef.
- Spicy Cottage Pie: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Mushroom Cottage Pie: Include 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the vegetables.
- Cheesy Cottage Pie: Mix ½ cup shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes.
- Sweet Potato Cottage Pie: Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter, vibrant topping.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Cottage Pie is a straightforward process that yields a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, 1 carrot, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, ¼ cup flour, 2 cups beef broth, ½ cup red wine, ½ cup peas, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 4 thyme sprigs, 2 bay leaves, 2 ½ pounds russet potatoes, ½ cup milk, 5 tablespoons butter, ¾ cup Parmesan.
Dice onion, celery, and carrot; mince garlic; peel and cube potatoes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Tip: Prep vegetables while the oven heats to save time; cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In an ovenproof 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add 2 pounds ground beef and a large pinch of salt.
Cook, breaking up the meat, until slightly pink and just cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
Transfer beef to a bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 teaspoon fat in the skillet; discard excess fat.
Add 2 tablespoons butter, diced onion, celery, carrot, and a pinch of salt to the skillet.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and carrot is tender, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons tomato paste; stir for 1 minute.
Add ¼ cup flour; stir to incorporate.
Add 2 cups beef broth, ½ cup red wine, ½ cup frozen peas, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 4 thyme sprigs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 2 bay leaves.
Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened like gravy, 7-10 minutes.
Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs; stir in cooked beef. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking; taste and adjust seasoning before adding beef back.

Step 3: Make the Mashed Potato Topping

In a large saucepan, bring 4 quarts water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil.
Add 2 ½ pounds cubed russet potatoes; cook until knife-tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain potatoes and return to the saucepan.
Add ½ cup whole milk, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and ½ cup grated Parmesan.
Mash with a potato masher until creamy but not over-mashed; taste and add salt if needed.

Tip: Avoid over-mashing to keep potatoes light; warm milk slightly for smoother blending.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Dollop mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the skillet; carefully spread to cover completely, reaching the edges.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon melted butter over the top; sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan.
Bake at 350°F until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: Spread potatoes gently to avoid mixing with filling; use a fork to create ridges for extra browning.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, scooping about 1-1 ½ cups per serving for 6-8 portions.
Pair with a side salad, green beans, or holiday dishes like roasted broccoli or French lentil salad.

Tip: Let the pie rest to set the layers; serve with extra Worcestershire sauce for umami lovers.

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Assembly: Building the Perfect Cottage Pie

Making Cottage Pie is all about layering comforting flavors and textures. Here’s how to make it shine:

Beef Filling: Savory, thick gravy with vegetables for heartiness.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy topping with a golden crust.
Parmesan: Adds nutty depth and a crispy finish.
Presentation: Rustic and inviting, baked to bubbly perfection.

Presentation Tips

Serve in the skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe.
Garnish with extra parsley for color if desired.
Pair with holiday dishes like miso-turmeric salmon or desserts like Dubai chocolate for a festive spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cottage Pie is ideal for meal prep and freezing.

Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze assembled (unbaked) or baked pie for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in foil.
Make-Ahead:
- Prepare filling and mashed potatoes up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Assemble up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes (covered if baked, uncovered if unbaked). Microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot.
Tip: Thaw frozen pie overnight in the fridge; add extra broth when reheating if dry.

Recipe Variations

Cottage Pie is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:

Shepherd’s Pie: Use ground lamb instead of beef.
Vegan Cottage Pie: Use plant-based meat, vegan butter, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Sweet Potato Cottage Pie: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes.
Vegetable-Packed Cottage Pie: Add ½ cup diced zucchini or mushrooms with the vegetables.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal (varies with beef and potato portions).
Protein: High, from ground beef.
Fat: Moderate, from beef, butter, and Parmesan.
Carbs: Moderate, from potatoes and peas.
Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion: Savor the Hearty, Comforting Bliss!

Cottage Pie is the dish that brings cozy, satisfying flavors to every bite. With its savory beef filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and golden Parmesan crust, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly leftovers. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your skillet, whip up this comforting classic, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal. We’d love to hear how your cottage pie turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!

Cottage Pie

Author: Alyssa

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Description

Craving a warm, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss? Cottage Pie, created by Dan Pelosi, layers savory ground beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection.