Cottage Pie is a delicious, savory dish that’s perfect for cold nights. While often confused with the Irish Shepherd’s Pie, Cottage Pie has its own unique twist. Did you know that Cottage Pie traditionally uses lean ground beef, while Shepherd’s Pie is made with ground lamb? The base of Cottage Pie features minced beef cooked in beef broth to create a rich, flavorful gravy, whereas Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb and its natural juices to make the sauce. Although many Americans refer to it as Shepherd’s Pie, in reality, it’s most often Cottage Pie—especially when made with beef!
Growing up in an Irish American family, I enjoyed both versions of this dish. But when I visited Ireland in 2017, I had the opportunity to try traditional Shepherd’s Pie, and it was a memorable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cottage Pie Recipe
I hadn’t made Cottage Pie in ages, but on a chilly fall evening, I found myself craving it. I decided to whip up a big batch, and I was glad I did—five pounds of Cottage Pie lasted all week! This hearty recipe is easy to make, and it freezes incredibly well. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes on top, but homemade mashed potatoes really elevate the flavor.
This Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, and I love how it gets even more delicious as it sits. The flavors meld together over time, making leftovers taste even better. I recommend making a large batch and freezing individual portions for future meals. You can freeze smaller portions for everyday use or larger ones when you’re entertaining guests.
Freezing and Storing Cottage Pie
Making Cottage Pie in bulk saves time and money. I like to buy ingredients in bulk when I find a good sale, prepare the dish, and freeze it for later. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Additionally take the Cottage Pie out about 20-30 minutes before baking to avoid damaging your glass container or casserole dish in the oven.
Perfect for Cold Months: Hearty Cottage Pie
As the colder months continue, there’s no better way to stay cozy than with a warm, hearty Cottage Pie. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this comfort food classic!
Cottage Pie Filling Ingredients
• 2 lbs. ground beef 90% lean
• 1.5 cup beef stock/broth
• 12oz bag of frozen corn, peas and carrots
• 1.5 tsp. each dried thyme, rosemary, parsley
• 1 large onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbsp. Tomato paste
• 1.5 Tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy Potato Ingredients
• 3-4 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 stick of unsalted butter gently melted
• 1/2- 1 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of Tillamook Mexican blend cheese
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cottage Pie: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by making the mashed potatoes. Rinse and peel the potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized cubes. Place the cubes in a pot of cold water, bring it to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot (with the heat off). Add in butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash the potatoes until smooth. Stir in the cheese until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened. Then, add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings and Beef Broth
When the ground beef is halfway cooked, blot any excess grease or water with a paper towel. Stir in the dried seasonings (like thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.
Sprinkle in the flour, mix well, and cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the juices. Add the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to release any flavorful bits. Let the mixture cook for another 3-5 minutes, until it thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Stir in the frozen vegetables, making sure they are well combined with the beef mixture.
Step 6: Assemble the Cottage Pie
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 7×11-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, covering the filling completely.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake the Cottage Pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden, and the edges are bubbling. Allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.