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Quick way to grow a Cottage Pie (Shepherd's Pie with Beef)

This recipe provides a quick method to prepare a delicious Cottage Pie, a savory dish made with a beef filling topped with mashed potatoes. It's a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Oven-safe baking dish (9x13 inches)
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas

For the Topping

  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 0.5 cup milk, warm
  • 4 tbsp butter, unsalted
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab an oven-safe dish (about 9x13 inches) for assembling the pie.
  • For the topping, boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender and easily mashed.
  • Drain the potatoes, then mash them smoothly with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper, setting them aside.

Cooking the Filling

  • Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until it's browned, then drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the frozen peas.

Assembly and Baking

  • Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it forms a solid base.
  • Carefully spoon the mashed potato topping over the beef, spreading it to the edges and creating a sealed layer.
  • If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Bake the cottage pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  • Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

For an even quicker meal, use pre-made mashed potatoes from the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans to the filling based on your preference.