Classic Cottage Pie

Name: Classic Cottage Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: United Kingdom
Ingredients: 1000 g of potatoes; 1 tsp of salt; 1 pinch of black pepper (ground); 50 g of butter; 100 ml of milk; 500 g of ground meat (beef); 1 yellow onion (chopped); 2 carrots (diced); 150 g of peas ((fresh or frozen)); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 250 ml of beef broth; 2 tbsp of tomato paste; 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp of thyme (dried); 1 tbsp of olive oil; 50 g of shredded cheese (cheddar or Gruyère type)

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This classic Cottage Pie is a comforting, hearty family dish made of a savory layer of ground meat and simmered vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden.

Total time: 1 h 10
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 40 min
Difficulty: Medium
Per person: €1.25

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

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To drink

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Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

480kcal

Protein28 g23%
Carbs45 g37%
Fat22 g40%
Fiber5 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For a richer mash, you can add an egg yolk to the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meat. For a perfect golden top, put the dish under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Very well, up to 3 months. Freeze cooked, in airtight portions.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 3 to 4 days max in an airtight container in the fridge.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Can be fully assembled the day before. Refrigerate, bake on the day.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Oven 20-30min at 160°C (large portions). Microwave by the portion possible, less crispy.

Variations

Sprinkle with grated cheese, cheddar or Gruyère, before baking.
Make patterns on the mashed potatoes with a fork.
Use fresh or frozen peas.

Mistakes to avoid

Forgetting to drain the excess fat from the meat: the filling would be too greasy.
Pouring cold milk into the mash: add it hot.
Serving straight out of the oven: let it rest for a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get the mashed potatoes right for cottage pie?

Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, mash them with a potato masher, then stir in the butter and hot milk until smooth and creamy, seasoned with salt and pepper.

How do you make the meat filling?

Sauté the onion and carrots, add the ground meat and brown it, then the garlic and thyme, the broth, the tomato paste and the Worcestershire sauce, and simmer for about 10 minutes.

When should you add the peas?

Add the peas, fresh or frozen, at the end of simmering, once the sauce has thickened, then adjust the salt and pepper before pouring the filling into the baking dish.

How long do you bake cottage pie?

Cover the meat with smoothed mashed potatoes, sprinkle with cheese if you like, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 190 °C, until the top is golden and the filling is slightly bubbling.