Cozy up with this English cottage pie recipe.
What Is Cottage Pie?
Cottage pie is an English casserole that’s traditionally made with minced meat (usually ground beef), gravy, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
Shepherd’s Pie vs. Cottage Pie
“Shepherd’s pie” and “cottage pie” are used interchangeably, but technically traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb and traditional cottage pie is made with ground beef.
How to Make Cottage Pie
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade cottage pie:
- Cook the meat, then stir in the flour and seasonings.
- Add broth and tomato paste to the beef mixture. Season and simmer until thickened.
- Boil the potatoes until tender and drain. Mash, whip with milk and butter, and season.
- Assemble the cottage pie and bake until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
What to Eat With Cottage Pie
Cottage pie is quite hearty, so it doesn't really need to be served with a side dish. If you can’t bear to serve it alone, try it with a side salad or a vegetable side dish.
How to Store Cottage Pie
- To store: Store cottage pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- To freeze: Wrap the completely cooled cottage pie in a layer of storage wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Store the pie in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“So delicious,” raves France C. “I almost halved the recipe and am so glad I didn't! We each went back for seconds! Such a comforting meal and we absolutely loved the rich beefy flavor, the sweet caramelized carrots and the hint of cinnamon.”
“Well, it's absolutely perfect as written, but it's also easy to add your own twists,” according to frecklesotool. “I've used lamb, beef, turkey, or tomatoes, green beans, asparagus.”
“It was a cold day and we were wanting warm comfort food so I thought I would give this a try and it was a huge hit,” says Kbonnallie. “I was hoping for leftovers but the pan was empty.”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
