Old-Fashioned Cottage Pie (The Ultimate Cheesy Potato Comfort)
I pulled a bubbling dish of this Cottage Pie out of the oven this evening, and the way the sharp cheddar had crusted over those mashed potatoes was enough to bring everyone to the kitchen before I even called for dinner. It’s a timeless classic—rich, savory ground beef simmered in a thick gravy, tucked under a blanket of creamy, cheesy potatoes. A rare and beautiful kind of comfort.
While its cousin, the Shepherd’s Pie, uses lamb, this “Cottage” version sticks to hearty ground beef, making it a perfect, budget-friendly weeknight staple. It looks like a labor of love with those golden peaks of potato, but it’s actually a straightforward one-pan filling topped with a quick mash. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but fits perfectly into a quiet night at home.
This is the recipe you turn to when the weather gets chilly and you need a dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Old-Fashioned Cottage Pie with Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (lean is best)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried thyme
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The Topping:
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2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and boiled
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½ cup milk or heavy cream
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4 tbsp butter
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1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1) Make the Mashed Potatoes Boil your peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Set aside.
2) Brown the Beef In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic.
3) Build the Gravy Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme and the frozen peas and carrots.
4) Simmer Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce has thickened into a rich gravy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
5) Assemble and Bake Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the meat mixture into a 9×9 inch baking dish. Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes over the top, using a fork to create “peaks” (they get crispy!). Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is golden brown.
Why This Cottage Pie Is the Best
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The Cheesy Twist: Adding cheddar directly into the mash makes every bite decadent.
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One-Bowl Filling: The gravy and veggies cook right in the skillet with the beef.
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Perfect for Prep: You can assemble this entire dish in the morning and just pop it in the oven at dinner time.
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Freezer Friendly: This is one of the best meals to double and freeze for a rainy day.
Tips for Success
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Fork Texture: Don’t smooth the potatoes flat! Use a fork to make ridges; those little peaks catch the heat and turn into crispy, buttery bits.
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Don’t Over-Mash: Use a hand masher rather than a blender to keep the potatoes fluffy instead of gummy.
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Let it Rest: Give the pie 5–10 minutes after it comes out of the oven so the gravy sets slightly.
Easy Variations
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Hidden Veggies: Stir in finely chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Sweet Potato Topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter, vitamin-rich alternative.
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Spicy Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
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Guinness Style: Replace ½ cup of the beef broth with a dark stout for a deep, pub-style flavor.
FAQ – Old-Fashioned Cottage Pie
What is the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?
Cottage Pie is made with ground beef, while Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with ground lamb.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
In a pinch, yes! Just make sure they are prepared thick so they can support the weight of the cheese on top.
Why is my pie runny?
This usually means the gravy wasn’t simmered long enough to thicken. Make sure the sauce is like a thick syrup before adding it to the baking dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
