Warm, hearty, and irresistibly comforting, this Classic Cottage Pie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Featuring a rich, savory filling of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful tomato-beef base, this traditional dish is elevated with a creamy layer of buttery mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, this timeless recipe is as satisfying as it is easy to make. With ingredients like Worcestershire sauce for depth and paprika for a hint of spice, every bite is a burst of classic comfort-food flavor. Ready in just over an hour, this wholesome dish serves six generously and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread. Your home will be filled with the cozy aroma of this beloved British classic in no time!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the beef stock, bring to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Stir in the frozen peas, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in half the cheddar cheese and season with salt to taste.
Transfer the beef mixture to a deep 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top the beef with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by paprika if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Classic Cottage Pie!
Calories |
3627 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.7 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.8 g | 459% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 580 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 4740 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.4 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.7 g | 178% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.2 g | ||
| Protein | 155.2 g | 310% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1381 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 25.9 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 9461 mg | 201% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.