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Classic Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This classic Cottage Pie recipe features a comforting layer of savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Potato Topping

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Meat Filling

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 13-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.
  2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add grated parmesan cheese, milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash the mixture until creamy and smooth.
  3. Saute the onion and garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add the vegetables and meat: Add diced carrots, celery, and ground beef to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula and cooking until the beef is browned.
  5. Add the flavorings: Drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the peas: Stir in the frozen peas and combine well. Turn off the stove and press the meat mixture evenly into a single layer in the pan.
  7. Top with mashed potatoes: Dollop the cheesy mashed potatoes onto the meat filling and spread it evenly to the edges using a spoon or spatula. Create texture on the surface with a spoon or fork if desired.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the potato topping is slightly golden. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top further.

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes for the best fluffy mashed potato topping.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add great flavor but can be substituted with dried herbs if needed.
  • Let the filling simmer to reduce excess liquid for a thicker consistency to prevent sogginess.
  • For extra crispy topping, brush mashed potatoes with a little melted butter before baking.
  • To save time, prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble before baking.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/classic-cottage-pie-with-cheesy-mashed-potato-topping-recipe/