While we've all heard of shepherd's pie, many of us might not be as familiar with its lesser-known culinary sibling, cottage pie. Cottage pie, in its most basic form, is simply shepherd's pie that uses beef instead of ground lamb. This British classic has been warming family bellies for generations, and there's no reason why that should stop anytime soon!
This delightful recipe is unique in that it calls for a delicious layer of mashed carrots along with the classic topping of mashed potatoes. The mashed carrots add a brilliantly sweet earthiness with every bite, while the oven-crisped mashed potatoes ensure that this family-friendly dish is packed with fantastic texture as well as flavor.
Easy Cottage Pie Casserole
Ingredients2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and large diced
1 pound carrots, cut into thirds
1½ cups cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, small diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1½ teaspoons salt, divided
Pepper to taste
Directions1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set two pots of water to boil. Place the potatoes into one and the carrots into the other. Boil both the potatoes and the carrots until soft; drain. Save 2/3 cup of the potato water for later.
2. In a large bowl, add potatoes, butter, cheddar cheese and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mash together with the back of a fork. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the carrots with the back of a fork. Set aside.
4. Put a large saute pan on medium-high heat. Add oil. When oil becomes hot, add onions and garlic. Adjust heat as needed. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.
5. Add ground beef to the pan with the remaining teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Cook until all the meat has browned. Add the 2/3 cup of potato water you set aside earlier, as well as the tomato paste. Mix well. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Spread the mashed carrots over the beef. Finish with a layer of the mashed potatoes over the carrots. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are just browned.
Cool for 5 minutes, then serve.
Pro tip: Once the cottage pie is hot out of the oven, throw on a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and some freshly chopped scallions (green onions). For a crispy melted finish, pop it back in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned.
