cottage pie.

Here’s a traditional Cottage Pie recipe — rich, savory, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s similar to Shepherd’s Pie, but made with ground beef instead of lamb.

🥧 Classic Cottage Pie

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40–45 min

Ingredients

For the meat filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the mashed potato topping:

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk or cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   • 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the potatoes:
   • Boil potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, until tender.
   • Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
   • Set aside.
3. Prepare the filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
   • Stir in carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour in beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
   • Stir in peas at the end.
4. Assemble:
   • Spoon meat mixture into a baking dish.
   • Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
   • Optional: sprinkle with cheddar cheese for a golden crust.
5. Bake:
   • Bake 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
6. Serve:
   • Let cool slightly before serving.
   • Enjoy with a side of green beans or salad.

🍽️ Tips & Variations

• Extra depth: Add a splash of red wine to the beef mixture while cooking.
• Vegetarian version: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms.
• Crispier top: Brush mashed potatoes with a little melted butter before baking.
• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.

Would you like me to give you a one-pan skillet version (less cleanup, ready in 30 minutes)?