The Best Homemade Cottage Pie
If you’re in search of a heartwarming meal that brings the family together, look no further than this delightful homemade cottage pie. This comforting dish features a savory beef filling seasoned to perfection and is topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe allows you to create a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—make it ahead, refrigerate, or even freeze for those days when cooking feels overwhelming. Enjoy the warmth and joy this classic comfort food brings to your table!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
- 750g (1.65 lb) beef mince
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree/paste
- 2 teaspoons English mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 springs fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ cup (125ml) dry apple vinegar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 cups (500ml) beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk
- 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter
- 150g (1 ½ cup) grated mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in carrots and celery until softened. Add beef mince; cook until browned then season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in tomato puree/paste and English mustard, followed by Worcestershire sauce and thyme. If using, add apple vinegar.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and pour in beef broth; let simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- While simmering, boil chopped potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash with milk and butter; fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread filling in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 390g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://simplemealbox.com/the-best-homemade-cottage-pie/