The short answer: cottage pie is savory ground beef gravy with vegetables under a mashed potato crust, baked until golden — the beef version of shepherd's pie.
- Key numbers: 1½ lb ground beef · 160°F · 400°F bake · feeds 6
- Top moves: brown beef hard, thicken gravy, cool slightly, spread mash, bake until bubbling
- Free and paid next step: get the free recipe book starter pages (we email it to you), or save your gravy notes in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99).
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Prep time: 15 minCook time: 35 minTotal time: 1 hr 10 minServings: 6 servingsTotal includes 20 min of resting, chilling or rising.
Amounts and methods for this cottage pie recipe were checked November 6, 2026.
Cottage pie ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1½ pounds | 85% lean; cook to 160°F |
| Onion + carrots | 1 onion + 2 carrots | Diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons | Thickens gravy |
| Beef broth | 1½ cups | |
| Worcestershire | 1 tablespoon | |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup | Stir in off heat |
| Mashed potatoes | 4–5 cups | Leftover or fresh |
| Butter + salt/pepper | As needed | For mash and seasoning |
How to make cottage pie
- Brown the beef. Cook beef in a wide skillet over medium-high until no longer pink and browned in spots. Ground beef needs 160°F (USDA ground beef). Drain excess fat.
- Build gravy. Add onion and carrots; cook until soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste 1 minute. Sprinkle flour; cook 1 minute. Whisk in broth and Worcestershire; simmer until thick, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in peas. Taste salt and pepper.
- Top. Heat oven to 400°F. Spread filling in a 9×13 or deep 2-quart dish. Let cool 10 minutes so mash stays on top. Spoon mashed potatoes over, seal edges, rough the top with a fork.
- Bake. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until edges bubble and potatoes are golden. Broil 1 to 2 minutes if you want extra color.
- Rest. Rest 10 minutes before scooping.
Leftovers: cool, refrigerate within 2 hours, eat within about 3 to 4 days. Reheat until steaming hot.
Cottage pie vs shepherd's pie
| Dish | Meat | Our page |
|---|---|---|
| Cottage pie | Ground beef | This page |
| Shepherd's pie | Ground lamb (or US beef swap) | Shepherd's pie |
More comfort plates: beef stew, meatloaf recipe, easy comfort food recipes and ground beef recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is cottage pie? Cottage pie is a baked casserole of ground beef in savory gravy with vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and browned in the oven. It is the beef twin of shepherd's pie, which traditionally uses lamb.
What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie? Cottage pie uses ground beef; traditional shepherd's pie uses ground lamb. Our shepherd's pie page covers the lamb (or mixed) classic. This page is the dedicated beef cottage pie version.
How do you make cottage pie? Brown ground beef with onion and carrots, thicken with tomato paste, flour and broth, add peas, spread mashed potatoes on top, and bake at 400°F until the top is golden and the edges bubble.
What temperature should the beef reach? Ground beef needs 160°F in the center. Brown it fully in the skillet before you assemble the pie so it is already safe before baking.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes? Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work well for cottage pie. Leftover mash is ideal. Stir in a spoon of butter or an egg yolk so the top browns well. Instant mash also works on a busy night.
How long do you bake cottage pie? Bake at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes from warm assembly. From the fridge, plan 35 to 45 minutes until the center is hot.
Can cottage pie be made ahead? Yes, cottage pie can be made ahead. Assemble, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, then bake until steaming hot. Or freeze the assembled pie tightly wrapped for 2 to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last? Cool, refrigerate within 2 hours, and eat within about 3 to 4 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout.
What vegetables go in cottage pie? Onion, carrots and peas are classic. Celery, corn, mushrooms or frozen mixed vegetables all work. Keep the gravy thick so the mash does not sink.
Can I add cheese on top? Yes, you can add cheese on top of cottage pie. Sprinkle cheddar over the potatoes in the last 10 minutes for a browned, cheesy crust.
How do I plan cottage pie into a week of dinners? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu and an aisle-sorted shopping list, so beef, potatoes and frozen peas land on one trip. Double the filling and freeze a second pie.
Where can I save my family's cottage pie recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages and dividers, so your gravy ratios and cheese preference stay with your other comfort dinners.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage charts foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Ground beef and food safety fsis.usda.gov