Hearty Lazy Cottage Pie
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Lazy Cottage Pie, a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but appetites are plentiful. This dish layers savory ground beef sautéed with onions, and bright green beans, all covered in creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy meal that warms your heart. It's a versatile recipe, allowing you to use whatever veggies you have on hand, and even swap ground beef for lamb or utilize leftover meats. Whether you use homemade garlic mashed potatoes or a quick instant version, this dish guarantees smiles all around the dinner table. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or cheese for an optional touch of flavor. Make it the day before and reheat for a quick lunch – convenience never tasted so good!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
green beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
condensed tomato soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (unprepared)
leftover mashed potatoes
3-4 cups (or prepare 6 servings instant)
cheddar cheese
1/8-1/4 cup (shredded (optional))
paprika
to taste (garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the extra lean ground beef with the finely chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3
Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture into a greased medium casserole dish, spreading it evenly in an even layer.
4
Layer the drained green beans (or your choice of mixed vegetables) over the beef mixture, spreading them out evenly.
5
Pour the condensed tomato soup over the top of the vegetables, using a spatula to spread it to ensure an even coverage.
6
Spread the leftover mashed potatoes (or prepared instant mashed potatoes) evenly over the soup layer, making sure to seal the edges for a nice presentation.
7
If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden.
9
For a decorative touch, you may create lines in the mashed potatoes with a fork, or pipe them on using a decorating bag for a more elegant appearance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Lazy Cottage Pie?
Hearty Lazy Cottage Pie is a simplified version of the classic comfort food dish, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and condensed soup topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
How long does it take to bake this cottage pie?
The dish should be baked in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the potato top is golden.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before placing the casserole dish inside.
Can I use a meat other than ground beef?
Yes, you can easily swap the extra lean ground beef for ground lamb, or even utilize other leftover meats you have on hand.
Do I need to cook the meat before putting it in the casserole dish?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef with the onions in a skillet until no longer pink and drain any excess fat before layering it into the dish.
What type of vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 15-ounce can of drained green beans, but you can substitute these with any mixed vegetables you prefer.
What kind of soup is used as the binder?
A 10.5-ounce can of unprepared condensed tomato soup is used to provide flavor and moisture to the meat and vegetable layers.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely. You can use leftover homemade mashed potatoes or prepare six servings of instant mashed potatoes as a quick alternative.
Is the cheese topping mandatory?
No, the shredded cheddar cheese is an optional garnish that adds extra flavor and a golden finish.
How do I prevent the pie from being too greasy?
Using extra lean ground beef and ensuring you drain the fat after browning the meat and onions will help keep the dish from being greasy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, then bake it when you are ready for a quick meal.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner the next day.
What should I do to the edges of the mashed potatoes?
When spreading the potatoes, make sure to seal the edges against the sides of the casserole dish for a better presentation and to keep the filling contained.
Can I add a decorative touch to the topping?
You can create decorative lines with a fork or use a piping bag to apply the mashed potatoes for a more elegant look.
What can I use instead of green beans?
You can use peas, corn, carrots, or a bag of mixed frozen vegetables as a substitute for canned green beans.
Does this recipe use garlic?
While not in the base ingredients, you can use garlic mashed potatoes or add minced garlic to the beef for extra flavor.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A medium-sized greased casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Is paprika required?
Paprika is an optional garnish used to add a touch of color and subtle flavor to the top of the potatoes.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed as a crowd-pleasing comfort food that is perfect for busy weeknights with kids.
What makes this a 'Lazy' Cottage Pie?
It is called 'Lazy' because it uses convenient ingredients like canned soup, canned vegetables, and leftover or instant potatoes to save time.
Can I use fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe specifies one small onion, finely chopped and browned with the beef.
How many servings does this make?
Based on the 1 lb of beef and 3-4 cups of potatoes, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed or cooked slightly so they don't release too much water during the short baking time.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is suggested, you could use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for the topping.
Is the tomato soup prepared with water first?
No, the soup should be used 'unprepared,' meaning you pour it straight from the can onto the vegetables.
Is this a good recipe for leftovers?
It is an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or even leftover roasted meats.
Should the casserole dish be covered during baking?
No, the instructions recommend baking it uncovered so the top can become golden and the edges can bubble.
How much mashed potato is required?
You will need approximately 3 to 4 cups of mashed potatoes to cover the top of the pie.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a mild, savory dish, though you can add spices like red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features a savory beef flavor combined with the sweetness of tomato soup and the creaminess of potatoes.