Cottage pie is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It is warm, filling, and packed with simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Made with seasoned minced beef, vegetables, rich gravy, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and cozy evenings.
It is easy to make, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults.
Cottage Pie Recipe
Cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with minced beef cooked in a savory gravy with onions, carrots, and peas, then topped with smooth mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
The bottom layer is rich and meaty, while the top layer is soft, creamy, and slightly crispy.
Every bite gives you a balance of flavor, texture, and comfort.
This recipe is simple, straightforward, and gives you a perfectly seasoned cottage pie without complicated steps.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 500g (1 lb) minced beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced small
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef stock
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup warm milk
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
Put the chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until very soft, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and keep aside. - Start the Meat Base
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and slightly golden. - Add Garlic and Vegetables
Add minced garlic and diced carrots. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring so the garlic does not burn. - Cook the Minced Beef
Add minced beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it changes color and no longer looks pink. This usually takes 5–6 minutes. - Season the Meat
Add salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Stir well so the seasoning spreads evenly. - Add Tomato Paste and Flour
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then sprinkle flour over the meat and mix well. This helps thicken the gravy. - Pour in Stock and Sauce
Slowly add beef stock while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Add Peas and Adjust Taste
Add frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. - Make the Mashed Potatoes
Mash the boiled potatoes while hot. Add butter, warm milk, and salt. Mash until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-mashing to keep the texture nice. - Assemble the Cottage Pie
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and spread gently with a fork. - Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling. - Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Different Variations
- Cheesy Cottage Pie – Add grated cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
- Garlic Mashed Topping – Mix roasted or sautéed garlic into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Vegetable-Loaded Cottage Pie – Add mushrooms, corn, or green beans to the meat filling.
- Spicy Cottage Pie – Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for a mild heat.
- Healthy Version – Use lean minced beef and replace some potatoes with mashed cauliflower.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Cottage Pie
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Fresh garden salad with light dressing
- Buttered peas and carrots
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Pickled onions or cucumber slices for contrast
These sides balance the richness of cottage pie and make the meal feel complete without being heavy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Cottage pie stores very well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Once completely cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor.
To reheat, place in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
You can also microwave individual portions. Add a small splash of water or stock before reheating to keep it moist.
Cottage pie can also be frozen. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cottage Pie vs Shepherd’s Pie
| Feature | Cottage Pie | Shepherd’s Pie |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Used | Minced beef | Minced lamb |
| Flavor | Rich, hearty, beefy | Strong, slightly gamey |
| Popularity | Very common worldwide | More traditional in the UK |
| Cost | Usually cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
| Best For | Family meals, kids | Traditional dinners, special meals |
Conclusion
Cottage pie is one of those recipes that never disappoints. It is simple, comforting, and full of flavor without being complicated.
With basic ingredients and easy steps, you can make a homemade cottage pie that tastes far better than any store-bought version.
Whether you are cooking for family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this cottage pie recipe is a reliable and delicious choice every time.