Description
This Easy One-Pot Cottage Pie is a comforting and hearty family favorite that combines savory ground beef or lamb with a medley of vegetables and a creamy mashed potato topping, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal, this classic British dish offers rich flavors and a delightful texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Lamb (Provides a rich, savory flavor.)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (Adds depth to the flavor profile.)
- 2 medium Carrots, diced (Provides sweetness and color.)
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (Adds freshness and color.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Infuses the dish with aroma.)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup Beef Broth (Adds moisture and flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (Introduces tangy, umami flavor.)
- Salt and Pepper (Season to taste.)
Potato Topping
- 2 pounds Potatoes, peeled and cubed (For creamy mashed potato topping.)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Enhances creaminess of mashed potatoes.)
- ½ cup Milk (Creates a smooth consistency.)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onions and carrots, mince the garlic, and peel and cube the potatoes to have all the components ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, to build the flavor base.
- Add Garlic and Carrots: Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the carrots soften and the mixture becomes aromatic.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or lamb to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned throughout, approximately 8-10 minutes, ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Add Peas and Liquids: Mix in the frozen peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Boil Potatoes: While the meat simmers, place the cubed potatoes in salted boiling water and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the hot potatoes with butter and milk until creamy and smooth, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pie.
- Assemble Cottage Pie: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly at the bottom of the pot. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the top, spreading and texturing the surface with a fork or spoon for a crispy finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cottage pie cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use either ground beef or lamb depending on your preference for flavor.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the mashed potatoes.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a bit of tomato paste can be used as alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
