Cottage pie is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Made with layers of savory ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy.
Also commonly referred to as Shepherd’s Pie, there is one main difference. Cottage Pie is made with ground beef, while Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb.
How to Make Cast Iron Cottage Pie
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Special Equipment:
10.25” cast iron skillet
Mashed Potato Ingredients
2 lbs. Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4-5 large cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
Water, to cover
Pinch salt
½ c. chicken stock, preferably organic
¼ c. heavy cream
3 T. unsalted butter
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Remaining Ingredients
1½ lbs. ground beef
2 t. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
¾ c. frozen corn kernels, thawed
¾ c. frozen peas, thawed
1¼ c. sliced frozen carrots, thawed
For garnish
Smoked paprika
Fresh chives, chopped
Cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Directions
- Place the top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 400°F.
- Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot and add water until the potatoes are completely covered, with an additional inch or two on top. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat on the stovetop, approx 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.
- While the potatoes are boiling, add the beef, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce to a 10” cast iron skillet set over medium heat on the stovetop. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is completely browned and broken into small pieces, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary. Set aside.
- Add chicken stock, heavy cream, and butter to the drained boiled potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and mash with a hand masher or whip with a hand mixer until smooth. If necessary, add a little extra chicken broth to reach the desired consistency. Set aside.
- Evenly spread the thawed corn, peas, and carrots across the browned ground beef in the cast iron skillet. Top with an even layer of the mashed potatoes and sprinkle with some smoked paprika.
- Place the skillet in the pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and the potatoes are nicely browned on top. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve immediately garnished with fresh chives. Enjoy!
To help you make the perfect cottage pie, we’ve put together some tips and tricks that will take your dish to the next level.
Additional Tips for Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie
Infused Garlic: Boiling the garlic cloves with the potatoes infuses their flavor into the mash. This adds a delicious depth to the dish.
Seasoning: Season each component of the dish generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Herb Flavor: Add finely chopped fresh rosemary to the ground beef for a fragrant and savory taste. Thyme also makes a great addition, or substitute for the rosemary.
Vegetable Mix: Use a premade mix of frozen vegetables like corn, peas, and carrots for convenience and to add color and texture to the pie.
Thaw your frozen veggies: Thawing your frozen vegetables allows you to drain any excess liquids that they may give off and helps to prevent your Cottage Pie from becoming soupy.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor to the beef mixture, enhancing its taste.
Baking Tips: Bake the pie until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also broil it for a few minutes at the end for a crispy top.
Resting Time: Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Garnish: For a finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Melted Cheese: If you’re really feeling indulgent, sprinkle about half to ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and pop the cottage pie back in the oven for about 10 minutes.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create the perfect cottage pie that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you’re craving some comfort food, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of home.
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