Ground Beef Cottage Pie Recipe
Introduction
Ground Beef Cottage Pie is a comforting classic that combines savory beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean)
- 2 oz. onion soup mix (two 1oz packages)
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 10 oz frozen vegetables (blend of carrots, corn, peas, and green beans)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a pot of boiling water. Cook until tender, then drain and return the potatoes to the hot pot.
- Step 2: Pour in the milk, melted butter, salt, and garlic powder. Mash the potatoes until light and fluffy, then set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9×9″ casserole dish or prepare an oven-safe skillet for baking.
- Step 4: Heat a 10″ oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Do not drain the fat.
- Step 5: Sprinkle in the onion soup mix and flour. Stir until fully absorbed and fragrant.
- Step 6: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Step 7: Add the frozen vegetable blend and cook until heated through.
- Step 8: If using a separate baking dish, transfer the beef mixture there now. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 9: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Swap frozen mixed vegetables for fresh seasonal vegetables if preferred.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter topping.
- For a richer topping, stir cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before spreading.
Storage
Store leftover cottage pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp. Alternatively, microwave individual portions but expect a softer topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cottage pie a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. While cheddar adds great flavor and meltiness, you can try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend according to your taste preferences.
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Ground Beef Cottage Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Cottage Pie is a comforting, classic dish featuring a savory mixture of browned ground beef, vegetables, and a rich onion soup-flavored gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs. potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean)
- 2 oz. onion soup mix (two 1oz packages)
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 10 oz frozen vegetables (blend of carrots, corn, peas, and green beans)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a pot of boiling water. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the hot water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add milk, melted butter, salt, and garlic powder. Mash everything together until the potatoes are light, fluffy, and smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you are using a separate casserole dish for baking, lightly spray it with non-stick spray and set aside. A 9×9″ casserole dish is recommended.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Do not drain the fat, as it adds flavor to the dish.
- Add Seasonings and Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle in the onion soup mix and all-purpose flour. Stir continuously until the flour and soup mix are fully absorbed and fragrant. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the frozen vegetable blend to the beef mixture in the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Cottage Pie: If using the skillet for baking, carefully spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, smoothing the surface into an even layer. If using a separate casserole dish, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into it, and then top with the mashed potatoes evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Place the skillet or casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cottage pie is bubbly and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and comforting ground beef cottage pie!
Notes
- Using a lean ground beef reduces excess fat but retaining the fat during cooking adds flavor.
- The onion soup mix adds a savory depth to the gravy; you can substitute with a homemade mix if preferred.
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are well seasoned for the best flavor.
- The vegetable blend can be varied according to preference or what is available.
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish before adding mashed potatoes and baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Ground beef cottage pie, comfort food, mashed potato topping, baked casserole, beef and vegetable pie, classic British dish
