Discover the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Cottage Pie OAMC (Once-A-Month Cooking) recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep. This classic dish features a savory filling of browned ground beef, tender carrots, sweet peas, and aromatic garlic, simmered with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for a rich depth of flavor. Topped with creamy mashed russet potatoes—enhanced with butter and milk—and optionally crowned with melted cheddar cheese, this dish bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Designed to be freezer-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for batch cooking, ensuring you’ll always have a cozy, homemade dinner on hand. Perfect for families or anyone craving a traditional and satisfying meal!
Peel and cube the potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and flour, coating the mixture evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, or until the filling thickens. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Drain the boiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Spread the meat mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
Bake the cottage pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the pie cool slightly before serving, or allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly for freezing.
To reheat a frozen pie, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Calories |
4254 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 252.6 g | 324% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.8 g | 599% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 868 mg | 289% | |
| Sodium | 6453 mg | 281% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 303.7 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.5 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.5 g | ||
| Protein | 231.3 g | 463% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1570 mg | 121% | |
| Iron | 31.8 mg | 177% | |
| Potassium | 9531 mg | 203% | |
*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.