Quick and Easy Cottage Pie

This easy cottage pie recipe is a comforting classic made with a rich, savory ground beef filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

 

Easy Cottage Pie Recipe

• Pantry and Freezer Ingredients. This cottage pie is made with a handful of simple ingredients you’ve probably already got in your kitchen. This makes it a delicious fuss-free meal for a busy night!
• Delicious Flavors. The gravy in this cottage pie is AMAZING. It’s perfectly thick, so it coats all the meat and veggies beautifully. It’s a hearty and flavorful dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients for Cottage Pie

• Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor. You can use ground turkey or ground lamb as a substitute.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for extra depth of flavor. It also combines with the soup mixes to create a thicker gravy.
• Onion: Enhances the savory taste. Substitute with onion powder if needed.
• Garlic: Gives a deep, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a balanced blend of herbs to enhance the filling. Use your favorite dried herbs.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and umami. Ketchup or canned tomato sauce can be used if needed but will change the flavor slightly.
• Beef Stock: Creates a flavorful sauce. You can use chicken or vegetable stock as alternatives.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy, umami kick. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.
• Brown Gravy Mix: Thickens the sauce and adds tons of flavor. Any brand will work.
• Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Enhances the overall depth of flavor. Any brand of onion soup mix will work.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots: Classic veggies for texture and sweetness. If using fresh veggies, you may want to par-cook them first or plan to cook the casserole for longer so they get tender.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra creaminess to the filling. You can skip it but it’s such a treat!
• Mashed Potatoes: The fluffy, delicious topping. Use homemade or store-bought prepared mashed potatoes for convenience. Our favorite store-bought brand is Bob Evans.

How to Make Cottage Pie at Home

Brown the beef: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.

Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in the pan. Add onions, cooking for 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste, cooking for 2 more minutes.

Make the sauce: Whisk together beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix. Pour into the pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let simmer for 7-8 minutes to thicken slightly.

Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.

Assemble the pie: Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in an even layer.

Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the mashed potatoes are golden. Broil for 1-2 minutes if a crispier top is desired.

Cool and serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Making Cottage Pie

• For a crispy crust, brush mashed potatoes with melted butter before baking.
• A layer of shredded cheddar cheese would be a delicious addition! The creamy mashed potatoes on top are delicious as well, but a layer of melty cheese would be divine!
• You can make this recipe in a large saute pan, a 5 quart braising pan, or a 9×13 baking dish. Any size or shape baking dish will work as long as it holds all the contents of the recipe.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the pie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cottage Pie

• Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Cottage Pie

• Oven: Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-60 second increments until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

• air fryer green beans
• air fryer asparagus
• air fryer zucchini
• simple house salad
• balsamic glazed Brussel sprouts

Try these easy family dinners next!

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