Cottage pie is perfect for those cold winter nights where you want a Sunday roast without the mess or cooking all day. What I love about cottage pie is how easy it is to come together and make. The leftovers also reheat beautifully!
If you want to make shepherd’s pie, can you substitute the beef for lamb and beef broth for chicken or lamb stock.
What is the difference between shepards pie and cottage pie? Cottage pie is made with beef while shepherds pie is made with lamb.
Easy Homemade Cottage Pie (With Beef)
Description
A classic cottage pie with a beef base topped with cheddar potatoes. Perfect for when you want a Sunday roast without the mess or effort!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Boil the potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes. Add to a pot of cold water and boil for 30 minutes or until tender.
Reserve a cup of the potato water.
Once done, drain and let rest in the pot covered until ready to mash.
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Brown the beef
In a 10" oven safe skillet brown the beef with a tablespoon of oil on medium high. Season with salt and pepper. Once the beef is browned add the onions and carrots.
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Prepare the filling
Add the tomato paste to the beef and cook off for a couple minutes, stirring to combine. Add the garlic, rosemary and thyme to the beef. Cook for 30 seconds before adding the red wine. Let the wine reduce slightly then add the beef stock, worcestershire and peas.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook to thicken up.
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Mash the potatoes
Using a potato ricer, or masher, rice the potatoes.
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Finish the potatoes
Once riced or mashed add the butter, cheese and 1/4 cup of the reserved potato water. Mix until it reaches the desired texture, adding more water if needed.
You can substitute milk for the potato water. -
Top the beef with Potatoes
Evenly spread the potatoes over the beef mixture. Using a fork, run to over the top of the potatoes to create some texture.
If you do not have an oven safe skillet you can transfer to an oven safe dish. -
Bake the cottage pie
Bake the cottage pie at 400 for around 30 minutes. Broil for the last couple minutes for a more golden color.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
