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Ultimate Classic Cottage Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A golden brown cottage pie recipe with a serving scooped out, revealing the rich meat and vegetable filling.
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Make this hearty ground beef casserole, a traditional British comfort food dinner, topped with creamy, golden mashed potatoes. It is simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Mash the potatoes with the warm milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  6. Stir in the flour and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
  7. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and let the filling cook gently for 10 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  9. Stir in the frozen peas. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  10. Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef filling in the skillet. Use a fork to create texture on the potato surface.
  11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
  12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is golden brown.
  13. Let the cottage pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make ahead casserole, prepare the entire dish through step 10, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the filling to a 9×13 inch baking dish before topping with potatoes.
  • You can substitute ground lamb for ground beef to create a traditional Shepherd’s Pie.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/cottage-pie-recipe-classic-beef-casserole/