Cottage Pie (or Shepherd’s Pie)

A hearty, comforting classic, this Cottage Pie (or Shepherd’s Pie if made with lamb) is the ultimate cozy meal. It features a rich, savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals!

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb ground sausage (or use ground lamb for traditional Shepherd’s Pie)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1–2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup frozen corn
• ½ cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2½ pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Add peeled and chopped potatoes to a large saucepan with about 3 inches of water.
   • Cover and bring to a boil; cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes.
   • Drain and return potatoes to the hot pot. Cover with the lid for a few minutes to allow steam to dry them slightly.
   • Mash lightly using a potato masher — avoid over-mixing to prevent gumminess.
   • Add butter, sour cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Cook the Meat Filling:
   • In a large, oven-safe 12-inch skillet, add ground beef and sausage (or lamb).
   • Season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into small pieces as it browns.
   • Drain excess grease (leaving a small amount for flavor), and transfer the meat to a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–8 minutes, until softened.
   • Add garlic and flour, tossing to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Make the Gravy:
   • Pour in beef broth, then add the bouillon cube, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
   • Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, until thickened slightly.
   • Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
   • Remove bay leaves, then stir in frozen peas, corn, and the cooked meat.
6. Assemble the Pie:
   • Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture, spreading to fully cover the surface.
   • Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake:
   • Transfer the skillet (or pour into a baking dish) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
   • Let rest for 15 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce thicken.
8. Store:
   • Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
   • Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, meaty, and full of flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters love it!
• All-in-one meal: Protein, veggies, and starch in one comforting dish.

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Tips

• For a smooth potato topping, warm the milk before mixing it into the potatoes.
• Don’t skip the resting time — it allows the sauce to thicken for perfect slices.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, assemble the pie in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate — just top with potatoes and bake when ready to serve.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking for extra color.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Traditional Shepherd’s Pie: Use ground lamb instead of beef and sausage.
• Lighter Version: Substitute ground turkey or chicken and use chicken broth.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, green beans, or chopped zucchini.
• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharp aged cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy and ensure broth and sauces are gluten-free.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?
Cottage Pie is made with ground beef, while Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses ground lamb.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Assemble the pie and freeze before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve warm with a side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
• Drizzle a bit of gravy or extra Worcestershire sauce on top for added richness.
• Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
• For a cozy touch, pair with a glass of red wine or a warm cup of tea.