How to Make Cottage Pie – A Classic British Comfort Dish

 

--- published by foodie Parmod.

Cottage pie is a hearty and wholesome British classic, perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting weekend meal. Often confused with shepherd’s pie, the main difference lies in the meat: cottage pie is made with minced beef, while shepherd’s pie uses lamb. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to make cottage pie from scratch using simple ingredients, all while keeping it under 1000 words and optimised for Google SEO.

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What Is Cottage Pie?

Cottage pie is a traditional British dish made with a savoury minced beef filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s filling, flavourful, and ideal for feeding a hungry family.

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Ingredients for Cottage Pie (Serves 4–6)

For the meat filling:

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

500g minced beef

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 tbsp plain flour

250ml beef stock

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

100g frozen peas

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs (optional)

For the mashed potato topping:

900g floury potatoes (like Maris Piper), peeled and chopped

50g butter

100ml milk

Salt and pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Minced Beef Filling

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the minced beef and cook until browned all over, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Stir in the tomato purée and flour. Cook for 2 minutes, then gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Add the peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Once done, set aside.

2. Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the meat is simmering, boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes or until tender.

Drain well, then mash with the butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Cottage Pie

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas Mark 6.

Spoon the meat filling into an ovenproof baking dish and level the top. Gently spoon the mashed potato over the meat, then use a fork to spread it evenly and create a textured surface (this helps it crisp up).

If you like, dot a little extra butter on top or sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese for added richness.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your cottage pie with buttered peas, green beans, or a simple side salad. For a touch of extra comfort, try it with gravy or onion chutney.

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Top Tips for the Perfect Cottage Pie

Use the right potatoes: Floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward make the best mash.

Add flavour to the mash: A pinch of nutmeg or some grated cheese can enhance the taste.

Make ahead: Cottage pie can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready to serve.

Freeze for later: Ideal for batch cooking. Simply cool, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Cottage Pie vs Shepherd’s Pie – What’s the Difference?

Though they look similar, the key difference is the meat used. Cottage pie uses beef, while shepherd’s pie is made with lamb. The rest of the preparation remains largely the same, though herbs and seasonings may vary slightly.

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Final Thoughts

Cottage pie is a timeless British favourite, offering warmth, comfort, and flavour in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or making a cosy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

For more British recipes and comfort food ideas, don’t forget to explore our other blog posts!

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--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.