Ground beef and mashed potatoes, aka cottage pie, is a classic comfort food combination that never fails to satisfy. The rich, savory flavor of the seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, creating a hearty and comforting dish. When layered together in a baking dish and baked, these two simple components transform into something truly special. The heat of the oven melds the flavors together, allowing the juices from the beef to mingle with the potatoes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The top layer of mashed potatoes becomes golden and slightly crispy, adding a delightful contrast to the tender beef beneath. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting meal for a crowd, or even as a special dish for a holiday celebration. No matter the occasion, ground beef and mashed potatoes baked together are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why is this the best cottage pie recipe?
Flavorful Combination: The combination of ground beef, sausage meat, vegetables, and herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Comforting and Hearty: Mashed potatoes on top provide a comforting and hearty element, perfect for a cozy meal. Versatile: This dish can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs by using alternative ingredients or adjusting seasonings. Nutritious: With a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, this recipe provides a good mix of nutrients. Easy to Make: While it involves several steps, the recipe is straightforward and can be made in one pot for easy cleanup. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is likely to be enjoyed by a wide range of people due to its familiar and comforting flavors.
Ingredients and substitutes
Ground Beef and Sausage Meat: Provide protein and flavor to the dish. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used instead. Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Add flavor, aroma, and texture to the dish. Use other aromatic vegetables like leeks, shallots, or bell peppers. Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a rich tomato flavor and sauce base. Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes can be used. Parsley and Thyme: Add herbal notes and freshness. Other herbs like rosemary or oregano can be used. Beef Broth: Enhances the savory flavors in the dish. Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube can be used. Mashed Potatoes: Act as a hearty, creamy topping. Sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash can be used for a lower-carb option. Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor and helps create a golden crust. Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option. Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, textured topping. Crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option.
Step-by-step: Cottage Pie
Mashed potatoes
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter to the pot and mash the potatoes using a potato masher until smooth. Gradually add the milk or cream, stirring until the desired consistency is reached. Add more milk or cream if needed. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and stir until well combined.
Ground beef
In a skillet or cast-iron skillet, add the oil. Saute the onions, carrots, and celery until almost tender. Add the ground beef and sausage meat. Saute until no longer pink, making sure to break the meat into smaller pieces. Then, add the garlic and crushed tomatoes. Followed by the parsley and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 8 minutes. Then, add stock or water and cook a minute more. Set aside until ready to assemble.
Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C / Gas mark 5. Transfer the ground beef mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and cheddar over the mashed potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Creative variations:
Shepherd’s Pie Twist: Add a layer of cooked peas and carrots to the beef mixture before topping with mashed potatoes for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie flavor. Cheesy Topping: Mix grated cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping the beef mixture. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for a spicy twist. Top with a dollop of sour cream before serving to balance the heat. Garlic Infusion: Mix roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for a rich, savory flavor. You can also add garlic powder to the ground beef mixture for an extra garlic kick. Tex-Mex Style: Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and add a layer of refried beans before topping with mashed potatoes. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side. Loaded Potato Variation: Top the mashed potatoes with crumbled bacon, diced green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a loaded baked potato flavor. Mushroom Gravy: Serve the dish with a side of mushroom gravy to pour over the mashed potatoes and beef for added flavor and moisture.
Creative ways to serve cottage pie:
Mini Cottage Pies: Make individual-sized cottage pies in muffin tins or ramekins for a cute and portion-controlled serving option. Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with cottage pie mixture, then bake until the peppers are tender for a fun twist on the classic dish. Cottage Pie Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Bake large potatoes, cut them in half, scoop out some of the flesh, and fill them with cottage pie mixture. Top with cheese and bake until heated through. Cottage Pie Tacos: Serve cottage pie mixture in taco shells or soft tortillas, and top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for a Mexican-inspired twist. Cottage Pie Casserole: Layer cottage pie mixture with cooked pasta and cheese in a casserole dish, then bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting and hearty meal. Cottage Pie Pizza: Spread cottage pie mixture over a pizza base, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a unique pizza experience. Cottage Pie Stuffed Squash: Hollow out acorn or butternut squash and fill them with cottage pie mixture, then bake until the squash is tender for a seasonal and flavorful dish.
Versatile and Flavorful: Ground Beef Recipes You’ll LoveCrustless Swiss Chard QuichePerfect Mashed PotatoesLuxurious Comfort: Creamy Chicken in White Sauce RecipeComfort in a Crust: Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust Recipe
Frequently asked questions
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