5 Delicious Cottage Pie Recipes to Try Tonight

If you're looking for a comforting, hearty meal that's rich in flavor and sure to satisfy, cottage pie is an excellent choice. Originating from the British Isles, cottage pie is essentially a shepherd's pie made with beef instead of lamb, layered with mashed potatoes, and sometimes topped with cheese for extra indulgence. Here, we'll explore five delicious cottage pie recipes that are perfect for your next family dinner or cozy night in.

1. Classic Beef Cottage Pie

The classic beef cottage pie is a timeless dish that brings together simple ingredients for maximum flavor. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 5-6 large potatoes for mashed topping
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the beef in a large skillet until browned, then add onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook until softened.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
  3. Meanwhile, boil and mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and optionally sprinkle with cheese.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

👩‍🍳 Note: You can use leftover mashed potatoes to save time if preparing ahead.

2. Vegetarian Cottage Pie

For those seeking a meatless version, this vegetarian cottage pie uses lentils for protein:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Herbs like thyme and rosemary
  • 5-6 potatoes, mashed
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan until soft.
  2. Add lentils, tomato paste, herbs, and vegetable broth. Cook until thickened.
  3. Spread the lentil mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake as above.

3. Gourmet Cottage Pie with Guinness

Infusing your cottage pie with Guinness adds a rich, deep flavor that elevates this traditional dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 can Guinness Stout
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 parsnip, diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • Beef stock or water as needed
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 5-6 potatoes, mashed with cheddar
• Instructions:
  1. Brown beef, then add onions, garlic, and parsnip. Cook until tender.
  2. Pour in the Guinness, tomato purée, and thyme. Let it cook down until thick.
  3. Top with mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, bake until bubbly and golden.

4. Cottage Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

For a twist on the traditional, use sweet potatoes for the topping to bring a touch of sweetness:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 cup corn or peas
  • Beef stock and flour for thickening
  • 4-5 sweet potatoes
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the beef filling as in the classic recipe.
  2. Boil and mash sweet potatoes with butter and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
  3. Layer the meat, add your vegetable, then top with sweet potato mash. Bake until browned.

5. Cottage Pie with Horseradish Cream

Enhance your cottage pie with a zesty horseradish cream for an additional layer of flavor:

• Ingredients:
  • Standard cottage pie ingredients
  • ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • Fresh chives, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Make your cottage pie as usual.
  2. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in horseradish.
  3. Serve the pie with a dollop of horseradish cream on top, garnished with chives.

👨‍🍳 Note: Horseradish can be quite potent; adjust the amount to your taste.

In these five cottage pie variations, we’ve covered a range of flavors from the comforting classic to inventive vegetarian and sweet potato twists. Each recipe provides a unique taste experience while maintaining the cozy essence of this beloved dish. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing guests, or simply indulging in some comfort food, cottage pie can adapt to your culinary preferences, making it an excellent addition to your recipe repertoire.

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

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Cottage pie is made with beef, while shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb. The preparation and structure of both dishes are similar, featuring a meat filling layered with mashed potatoes.

Can I prepare cottage pie in advance?

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Yes, you can assemble the pie in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. Add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Is there a vegan version of cottage pie?

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Absolutely! Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes for the filling, and top with mashed potatoes made with non-dairy milk and vegan butter.