Cottage pie is the epitome of comfort food: It's hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. The dish is also easy to prepare, making it one of our favorite weeknight recipes.
What's more, you can customize cottage pie according to your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, the dish is often made with ground beef and sausage—but you can also use ground turkey or chicken. Not a fan of certain vegetables? Instead of using frozen mixed vegetables, pick just one or two of your favorites.
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Read on to learn how to make your own homemade cottage pie, including preparation shortcuts.
Video: Cottage Pie
Mashed Potato Topping
Things You'll Need
3 or 4 small russet potatoes
4 Tbsp. butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup milk
Tip
If you're short on time, feel free to skip the homemade mashed potatoes and use the boxed version instead.
1. Peel and cut potatoes
Peel the potatoes, then cut into 1-in. chunks.
2. Boil potatoes
Add the potatoes to a large pot of cold water.
Bring the water to a boil. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the meat and vegetable filling.
3. Mash potatoes
Drain the potatoes and add them to a large bowl. Using a potato masher or large fork, mash the potatoes.
4. Add cheese and milk
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired texture. You might not use all of the milk.
Cottage Pie
Things You'll Need
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground sausage
1 yellow or white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1 tsp. fresh rosemary
1 tsp. fresh oregano
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1. Cook meat
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned. Transfer the cooked meat to a separate bowl, leaving some grease in the pan.
Tip
If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can use it to cook the ingredients and bake the cottage pie. If not, you'll need a deep pie dish or baking dish later on.
2. Cook onion
Cook the onion for 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender and fragrant.
Add the garlic and flour. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Make gravy
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the skillet.
Simmer for 15 minutes, or until thick.
4. Add meat and vegetables
Return the meat to the skillet. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, combine well, and heat until warmed through.
5. Layer cottage pie
Transfer the meat mixture to a deep baking dish.
Top with the mashed potatoes, making sure to spread in an even layer.
If you're using an oven-safe skillet, simply spread the meat in an even layer, then top with the mashed potatoes.
6. Bake and serve
Bake for 20 minutes, or until gold brown. Top with extra shredded cheese, if you'd like, and enjoy.