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Ultimate Comfort Cottage Pie with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A cross-section view of a rich cottage pie showing the savory minced meat filling and thick, golden-brown mashed potato topping.
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Create the ultimate comfort food with this classic cottage pie recipe. This dish features a rich, savory ground beef filling simmered with vegetables and topped with luscious, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown. It is a hearty family dinner perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1 large egg yolk (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Mash the potatoes with the warm milk, butter, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the beef filling: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute.
  7. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  8. Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  10. Spread the creamy garlic mashed potato topping evenly over the beef filling in the skillet. Use a fork to create texture on the surface, which helps it brown nicely.
  11. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the potato topping is golden brown.
  12. Let the cottage pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra rich gravy, add 1 teaspoon of Marmite or beef bouillon paste along with the broth.
  • You can assemble this hearty family dinner ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • This dish freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/ultimate-comfort-cottage-pie-recipe/