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A savory cottage pie, also known as shepherd's pie with beef, topped with mashed potatoes.

Quick way to grow a Cottage Pie (Shepherd's Pie with Beef)

This quick and easy cottage pie (also known as shepherd's pie when made with beef) is a comforting classic, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It features a savory ground beef filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion diced
  • 2 Carrots diced
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme dried
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
Topping
  • 2 lbs Potatoes peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Potato Masher
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Method
 

Cooking the Filling
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks; drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
Preparing the Topping
  1. While the filling cooks, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until they are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot and mash them with butter and milk until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then spread the meat mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spoon the mashed potato topping over the meat, spreading it to the edges and creating peaks with a fork.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture along with the beef broth. You can also sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking for an even richer topping.