Easy cottage pie is made with seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables and cheddar cheese topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a dinner the whole family will love.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This easy cottage pie is a family favorite recipe that I grew up on. My Mother used to make this for my siblings and I all the time when we were growing up. It was a dinner that we all looked forward to having. There are so many delicious flavors going on here that its almost impossible not to love. Now, I make it for my own family who loves it just as much as I used to.
We like to make this in the winter when the temperature drops here in New Jersey and we're all looking for a good way to warm up. And nothing does that faster then a nice big bowl of comfort food. This is a real "stick to your ribs" meal. It will keep you warm and happy for hours. I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you'll love it just as much as my family and I do.
Whats The Difference Between Cottage Pie And Shepards Pie?
The main difference between both comes down to what kind of meat is used. Shepards pie is traditionally made of ground lamb while cottage pie uses ground beef. Both dishes are made with mixed vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Here are all the things you'll need to make this delicious dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef- The foundation of the recipe. Adds lots of protein and depth.
- Cream Of Mushroom Soup- Adds creaminess, flavor and acts as a binder for the filling. I use Campbells.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables- Brings lots of color and makes this recipe heartier.
- Dry Gravy Mix- Adds lots of flavor to compliment the ground beef. I used Mccormick.
- Salt- Enhances all the other ingredients
- Pepper- Cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Onion Powder- Adds onion flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Garlic Powder- Evenly distributes garlic throughout the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce- Adds a deeper flavor and color to the ground beef.
- Beef Broth- Keeps the filling from drying out and enhances the flavor of the ground beef. I use Swanson.
- Cheddar Cheese- Brings a sharp layer of flavor and ooey gooey texture that compliments the beef and mashed potato layer.
- Mashed Potatoes- The starchy topping that gives it that classic cottage pie feel. I used Bob Evans premade mashed potatoes.
- Butter- Adds richness to the ground beef.
- Parsley- An optional garnish that adds a nice pop of color at the end.
How To Make It
Heres how to make this delicious dinner. You can find the ingredients list along with instruction on the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
In a large skillet, melt the butter and brown the ground beef, breaking it down into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the fat if needed. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worchesterhire sauce, gravy packet and beef broth. Stir everything together until it's evenly combined. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup cans and frozen vegetables.
NOTE: No need to thaw the vegetables. They can be added frozen.
Add the mixture to a greased 9 x 13" baking dish and smooth it out until it's flat and even. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Then, top it with dollops of mashed potatoes and using the back of a spoon, gently spread them around until they are completely covering the top.
PRO TIP: Be sure to shred the cheese yourself and avoid the pre shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.
Place it into the center rack of the oven, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown and the sides are hot and bubbly. Finally, let the cottage pie sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley (optional) and Enjoy!
NOTE: Feel free to broil it at the end for a minute or two to get a nice, golden top.
PRO TIP: Let it rest before serving to allow the filling to settle and thicken up.
Can I Use My Own Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, of course you can. I like the prepared mashed potatoes because they are super convenient but feel free to make your own. This recipe would be a great way to use up some leftovers.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you absolutely can. Assemble the pie, cover it and place it into the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to serve it, warm it up a bit at room temperature and bake as directed.
Do I Have To Use Ground Beef?
Ground beef is traditional for cottage pie. You can use ground lamb and this dish becomes known as Shepards Pie. Ground turkey or chicken can be used, too, if preferred.
Storage
Let the cottage pie cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. This recipe freezes well, too. Just place it into a freezer safe air tight container and it will last for up to three months.
Easy Cottage Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs Butter
- 1.5 Lbs Ground Beef
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Package Brown Gravy Mix
- ½ Cup Beef Broth
- 2 (10.5) Oz Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 15 Oz Mixed Frozen Vegetables
- 1.5 Cups Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
- 2 Cups Mashed Potatoes (homemade, instant or store bought)
- Parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and brown the ground beef, breaking it down into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the fat if needed. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worchesterhire sauce, gravy packet and beef broth. Stir everything together until it's evenly combined. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup cans and frozen vegetables.
- Add the mixture to a greased 9 x 13" baking dish and smooth it out until it's flat and even. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Then, top it with dollops of mashed potatoes and using the back of a spoon, gently spread them around until they are completely covering the top.
- Place it into the center rack of the oven, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown and the sides are hot and bubbly. Finally, let the cottage pie sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley (optional) and Enjoy!
Other Easy Casserole Recipes
If you like super easy to make casserole recipes like this one, you have to try this Sloppy Joe Casserole, Cowboy Biscuit Casserole and Chicken & Stuffing Casserole.
Kyle McGovern says
I tried for years to replicate my Mom's and just couldn't get it right, guess I just wasn't using the right love. I went out on my own and made one that works for me that is even slightly easier than yours. For the meat, I use Original Manwich, just cook it up according to the directions and then build it similar to yours. Gives it a nice tanginess.
Tami Mullins says
Will be making this tomorrow night. I'm sure my family will love it as much as they've loved every recipe I've tried from your site.
Al Dente Diva says
My pleasure
Anonymous says
Perfect for St Patty’s Day! Thanks