Easy English Cottage Pie

4.6
(472)
364 Reviews
78 Photos

This cottage pie made with savory ground beef, carrots, and onions is topped with fluffy mashed potato and Cheddar for a cheesy, comforting dinner the whole family will love. Serve with garden peas.

Submitted by Caroline
Updated on January 26, 2024
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English cottage pie on white plate with casserole dish in background
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
1 (9x13-inch) casserole
Jump to Nutrition Facts

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: 

  1. Cook the meat, then stir in the flour and seasonings. 
  2. Add broth and tomato paste to the beef mixture. Season and simmer until thickened. 
  3. Boil the potatoes until tender and drain. Mash, whip with milk and butter, and season. 
  4. 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

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, diced

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 ½ cups beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup milk

  • ¼ cup butter, softened

  • ¼ pound shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion and carrot; cook and stir until onion has softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in flour, Italian seasoning, and cinnamon. Stir in parsley.

  3. Combine beef broth and tomato paste together in a jug; add to beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper; lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

  4. Meanwhile, place diced potatoes in a medium saucepan; cover with water and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes; drain. Mash potatoes until smooth, then add milk and butter; whip until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Spoon ground beef mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish; spread mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.

  6. Bake in preheated oven until top is browned and cheese is bubbly, about 25 minutes.

    English cottage pie on white plate with casserole dish in background

    France C

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

513 Calories
31g Fat
35g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 513
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31g 40%
Saturated Fat 16g 79%
Cholesterol 100mg 33%
Sodium 491mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin C 34mg 38%
Calcium 244mg 19%
Iron 3mg 19%
Potassium 1085mg 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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