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Homemade Cozy Cottage Pie photo

Cozy Cottage Pie

This Cozy Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy mashed potatoes and savory beef filling make for a warm, delicious meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potatoes:
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup butter cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 large egg yolk
For the Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup frozen peas

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mashers or potato ricer
  • Baking dish
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes. Place the peeled and chopped russet potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.
  2. Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes. Add the butter, milk or cream, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Cook the Filling. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Brown the Beef. Increase heat and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  5. Step 5: Thicken the Filling. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir well. Add the ketchup or tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas. Stir until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the Pie. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the beef filling evenly, then top with the creamy mashed potatoes, creating texture with a fork.
  7. Step 7: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t skimp on seasoning the potatoes; they can taste bland without enough salt.
  • Let the filling thicken adequately before layering with the mashed potatoes.
  • Creating texture on the topping enhances browning, so don’t skip the fork step!
  • Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking to help the layers set before serving.