Hearty Cottage Pie
Hearty Cottage Pie, a savory and satisfying dish, has been a beloved staple in our family for generations. Unlike its cousin Shepherd's Pie, which is traditionally made with lamb, this version features tender ground beef simmered with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. The dish is crowned with a creamy mashed potato topping, creating a comforting balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked to perfection when you’re ready to enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
4 large (Scrubbed and chopped)
Onion
1 medium (Peeled and chopped)
Carrots
2 medium (Peeled and grated)
Cabbage
2 cups (Washed and chopped)
Crushed tomatoes
2 cups (Canned or fresh)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (Raw)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (Optional, for sautéing)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (Liquid seasoning)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Savory
1/2 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Ground celery seed
1/2 teaspoon
Dried chives
1 tablespoon (Optional; use fresh when possible)
Butter
1/4 cup (Room temperature)
Buttermilk
1/2 cup (Liquid dairy)
Salt
(To taste)
Pepper
(To taste)
Paprika
(For sprinkling on top)
Instructions
1
Begin by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. If preferred, peel them before cutting.
2
Chop the potatoes into even chunks and place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook until tender, around 15-20 minutes.
3
While the potatoes are boiling, peel and finely chop your onion. Grate the carrots and set aside. Rinse the cabbage under cold water, remove any tough stems, and slice it into thin strips.
4
In a large cast iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat (if using) and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes.
5
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef into a deep casserole dish.
6
If there's excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it, leaving about a tablespoon to sauté the vegetables.
7
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the grated carrots, shredded cabbage, and crushed tomatoes.
8
Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce and the spices (oregano, savory, cumin, and ground celery seed). Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally.
9
Incorporate the sautéed vegetables into the beef in the casserole dish. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
10
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter and buttermilk, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the casserole. Use a fork to create texture on top for a golden finish.
12
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the mashed potatoes for added flavor and color.
13
You can either bake the cottage pie immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 days, well-sealed. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
14
Bake for 45 minutes if the pie is going in warm; if chilled, bake for 1 1/2 hours. The top should be lightly golden and the filling bubbling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Cottage Pie?
Hearty Cottage Pie is a savory and satisfying dish featuring tender ground beef simmered with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
What is the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd's Pie?
While Shepherd's Pie is traditionally made with lamb, Cottage Pie is made with ground beef.
What meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one pound of raw lean ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes onions, grated carrots, shredded cabbage, and crushed tomatoes.
How are the potatoes for the topping prepared?
The potatoes should be scrubbed, chopped into even chunks, boiled until tender, and then mashed with butter and buttermilk.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
Potatoes should be boiled for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
Can I peel the potatoes?
Yes, you can peel the potatoes before cutting if preferred, though it is optional.
How do I brown the ground beef?
Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook the beef for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains.
What should I do with excess fat from the beef?
Drain the excess fat but leave about one tablespoon in the skillet to sauté the vegetables.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
Which spices are used in the beef mixture?
The mixture uses oregano, savory, cumin, and ground celery seed.
What liquid seasoning is added to the meat?
One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is used to season the meat and vegetable mixture.
How long should the vegetable and spice mixture simmer?
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
What ingredients make the potato topping creamy?
Butter and buttermilk are mashed into the potatoes to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I use fresh chives in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe recommends using fresh chives whenever possible.
How do I season the mashed potatoes?
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste after mashing them with butter and buttermilk.
How is the potato topping applied to the pie?
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in a casserole dish.
How do I create a golden finish on the potato topping?
Use a fork to create texture on the surface of the mashed potatoes before baking.
What is the purpose of adding paprika?
A pinch of paprika can be sprinkled over the top for added flavor and color.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, the pie can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pie.
How long do I bake the pie if it is fresh?
If the pie is going into the oven warm, bake it for 45 minutes.
How long do I bake the pie if it has been chilled?
If the pie has been refrigerated, it requires a longer baking time of 1.5 hours.
How do I know when the cottage pie is finished baking?
The pie is ready when the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
Is vegetable oil mandatory?
No, vegetable oil is optional and used for sautéing the beef if needed.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and grated.
How is the cabbage prepared for the filling?
Rinse the cabbage, remove tough stems, and slice it into thin strips.
What type of skillet is recommended for cooking the meat?
A large cast iron skillet is recommended for browning the beef.
What kind of baking dish should be used?
A deep casserole dish is used to assemble and bake the pie.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family staple that is perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.