Traditional Cottage Pie Recipe
justbelieveyoucan
Discover the ultimate traditional cottage pie recipe—savory minced beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. A classic British comfort food perfect for cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course main course
Cuisine English
Servings 8
Calories 470 kcal
For the Filling
- 750 g beef mince
- 50 ml olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 large carrot grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbps tomato purée
- 1 tbps plain flour
- 100 ml red wine
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves only
- 500 ml beef stock
- 2-3 drops Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Mash
- 1000 g potatoes peeled
- 100 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- 50 g cheddar or parmesan grated
Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.Stir in grated carrot and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.Stir in the tomato purée and flour. Cook for 2 minutes.Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.Add thyme leaves, the rosemary, and beef stock.Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Make the Mash
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (around 15–20 minutes).Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy.Stir in the grated cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas 6.Spoon the meat mixture into an ovenproof dish.Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, fluffing the surface with a fork for texture.Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
1. Season Your Filling Generously
One thing I always emphasize is the importance of seasoning at each step. Don't wait until the end to add salt and pepper—season your beef filling as it cooks to ensure every layer of flavor is well-balanced.
2. Use a Mix of Ground Beef and Pork
While traditional cottage pie calls for just beef, I like to mix minced beef and pork for a juicier, more flavorful filling. The pork adds a nice fat content that complements the beef perfectly.
3. Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar
A little balsamic vinegar in the filling brings a subtle sweetness and deepens the flavor of the beef. It’s an unexpected touch that works wonders!
4. Try Roasting the Potatoes First
For extra crispy edges on the mashed potatoes, try roasting the potatoes (whole or halved) first before mashing them. This adds a lovely caramelized flavor and texture to the mash.
5. Layering Matters
When layering the mashed potatoes on top, don’t just spread it out—gently dollop the mash in spoonfuls across the top, then smooth it out. This creates a little extra fluff and texture once it bakes.
6. Mix in Some Cheese in the Mash
For a rich, cheesy twist, I mix grated cheddar or parmesan right into the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the meat. It melts beautifully and adds a savory depth.
7. Take Your Time
Slow cooking your beef mixture is worth it. Let the filling simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It makes a world of difference!
8. Use a Cast-Iron Dish for Perfect Crisping
If you have a cast-iron dish, use it! The heat distribution helps crisp up the mashed potatoes evenly and gives a rustic, homemade look.
9. Don’t Overcrowd the Filling
I like to keep the filling thick but not too dense. Overcrowding the pan while cooking the filling can cause the beef to release too much liquid, making it watery. Let the meat and veggies cook separately first, and then combine them once they’ve softened.
10. Resting Is Key
Just like any good pie, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Plus, it lets all those delicious flavors soak in.Keyword beef meal, vegetables
