Classic Cottage Pie Recipe That You’ll Adore

Cottage pie is a traditional British dish that delivers both comfort and hearty flavor.

A savory filling of ground beef and vegetables simmers in a rich gravy, creating a base full of depth.

This mixture is topped with a smooth layer of creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden and crisp.

The combination of textures, silky potatoes and flavorful meat, makes it a meal that satisfies on every level.

Herbs and seasonings bring out the best in the simple ingredients, keeping the dish both wholesome and flavorful.

Cottage pie is as practical as it is comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday gatherings.

Delia Smith Cottage Pie Questions Answered

• Is cottage pie the same as shepherd's pie?

No, cottage pie uses beef, while shepherd’s pie traditionally uses lamb.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a lean alternative with similar cooking methods.

• What type of herbs work best in this recipe?

Thyme, rosemary, and parsley are classic herbs that complement the meat and vegetable filling perfectly.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free bouillon cubes.

Why Delia Smith Cottage Pie Hits The Spot

• Create Comfort Quickly: This hearty cottage pie delivers warm, rich flavors perfect for satisfying hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
• Family Feast Champion: Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, this one-dish meal pleases all ages and ensures everyone leaves the table happy.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add different vegetables to match family preferences without compromising the classic recipe's delicious structure.
• Smart Meal Prep: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and bake later, making it an ideal solution for busy households wanting a delicious home-cooked meal without constant supervision.

What Goes In Delia Smith Cottage Pie

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for the pie filling.
• Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot, Garlic: Classic aromatic blend that builds a flavorful foundation for the filling.
• Peas, Corn: Sweet vegetables that add color and texture to the pie.

• Potatoes: Creamy base for the mashed potato layer.
• Sour Cream, Milk, Butter: Ingredients that create a smooth and rich mashed potato topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a tangy, salty dimension to the potato layer.

• Flour: Helps thicken the meat sauce.
• Bouillon, Broth: Provides depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
• Tomato Paste, Sauces, Herbs: Ingredients that boost the overall taste profile of the pie.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden and crispy finish.

How To Make Delia Smith Cottage Pie At Home

Step 1: Prepare Potato Topping

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese

Whip until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove meat and set aside, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery
• Sliced carrots
• Minced garlic

Cook until vegetables soften and become fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Tomato paste
• Beef bouillon
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh herbs
• Beef broth

Stir thoroughly and simmer until the sauce thickens and develops rich flavors.

Step 5: Combine Meat and Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Corn kernels

Mix well and ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Cottage Pie

Transfer meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly on top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the cottage pie for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set.

Helpful Ideas For Delia Smith Cottage Pie

• Warm milk and butter before mixing into mashed potatoes for ultra-creamy, smooth texture that spreads easily.
• Use lean ground beef with some fat content for rich flavor and prevent dryness during baking.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the pie.
• Add fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the meat's depth and create a more complex taste profile.
• Let the cottage pie rest 10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

New Twists On Delia Smith Cottage Pie

• Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie: Replace beef and sausage with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty meat-free version.
• Lamb Cottage Pie: Swap beef for ground lamb to create a traditional British-style pie with richer, gamier flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Topping: Substitute mashed potatoes with pureed cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Greek-Inspired Cottage Pie: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and add spinach to give the classic recipe a Mediterranean culinary touch.

Best Foods To Pair With Delia Smith Cottage Pie

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the hearty beef and savory meat flavors, enhancing the dish's robust profile.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pie's richness, adding freshness and balancing the heavy meat texture.
• Match with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Prepare quick-pickled cucumbers or cornichons to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that brightens the cottage pie's deep, meaty essence.
• Enjoy with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a malty amber ale or dark stout that mirrors the pie's deep flavors and stands up to its substantial protein and vegetable composition.

How To Store Delia Smith Cottage Pie Properly

• Store cottage pie in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or entire pie in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pie from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent top from burning.

Traditional Cottage Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cottage pie brings rustic comfort straight from British kitchens, blending savory ground beef with creamy mashed potato perfection. It’s a one-pan meal that warms hearts and satisfies everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/2 carrot, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bouillon cube
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1/2 pounds (1.13 kilograms) potatoes
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Peel and quarter potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and mash thoroughly with sour cream, milk, butter, and parmesan until smooth and creamy.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Set the cooked meat aside, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.
5. Sauté diced onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic in the same skillet until vegetables soften and become translucent, roughly 5 minutes.
6. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat. Let it cook for 2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
7. Pour in tomato paste, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and broth, stirring to combine and create a rich, flavorful sauce.
8. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
9. Reintroduce browned meat to the sauce, then gently fold in frozen peas and corn.
10. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
11. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, then use a fork to make ridges or peaks.
12. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of potato layer.
13. Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden and filling is bubbling.
14. Allow pie to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Use lactose-free dairy or nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free mashed potato topping suitable for sensitive diets.
• Enhance potato texture by thoroughly draining potatoes after boiling and letting steam evaporate for fluffier, lighter mash.
• Freeze individual portions before baking for convenient meal prep, storing up to 3 months in airtight containers.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 503 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg