This classic English cottage pie is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and savory ground beef filling layered with tender vegetables and topped with a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes.
Finished with a golden, cheesy crust, this hearty casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals that satisfy every appetite.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish delivers deep, homestyle flavor without fuss.
The combination of seasoned beef, carrots, and onions simmered in a savory gravy pairs beautifully with the fluffy mashed potato topping, creating a warm and filling meal that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and gather all ingredients.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour, Italian seasoning, and optional cinnamon, stirring to coat the mixture evenly. Add the chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Pour into the skillet, stir well, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, place the diced potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth, then mix in milk and butter. Whip until light and fluffy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them into an even layer. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest briefly before serving.
Chefs Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture while simmering.
- Swap Cheddar for a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- You can substitute ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie variation.