Looking for a comforting and delicious dish to serve at your next family dinner? Look no further than this classic Cottage Pie recipe. Packed with savory flavors and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of lean ground beef, savory sausage, and a medley of vegetables creates a rich and hearty filling.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for a convenient and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Filling:
- Lean ground beef
- Ground sausage (I use Jimmy Dean pork sausage)
- Salt, pepper, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, flour, beef broth, tomato paste, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, corn, peas
For the mashed potatoes:
- Russet potatoes, sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage with salt and pepper.
- Add in the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in flour, then gradually add beef broth, tomato paste, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Add in corn and peas, simmer until thickened.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes until tender, then mash with sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the filling, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake until golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with lentils or mushrooms.
- To save time, use store-bought mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy weeknights.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for a depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs for a fragrant and aromatic filling.
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cottage Pie with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. Pair with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for the perfect meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, feel free to substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Can I freeze Cottage Pie? Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking for up to 3 months.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes? While instant mashed potatoes can be used, homemade mashed potatoes will yield a better flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this Cottage Pie recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Cottage Pie Recipe (Shepherd’s Pie)
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cottage Pie Recipe (also known as Shepherd’s Pie) features a flavorful filling of ground beef, sausage, vegetables, and savory seasonings, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1–2 carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Brown the ground beef and sausage, then add in the vegetables, garlic, and seasonings. Cook until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour, followed by broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened. Add in corn and peas.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Boil and mash potatoes with sour cream, milk, and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the filling in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- For a healthier version, use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg