Introduction
If Cottage Pie has never wowed you before, this elevated version just might change your mind. It does involve a bit of fine chopping, but it’s well worth the effort for that first scoop through the pillowy mashed potatoes and the rich, savory filling beneath. It makes a comforting family casserole and is also perfect for delivering to a neighbor in need of a warm, home-cooked meal.
What's the difference between cottage pie and shepard's pie?
In many places, such as the U.S., people often use the terms interchangeably. However, there is a technical difference depending on the type of meat used in the filling.
- Cottage pie is typically made with beef
- Shepard's pie is traditionally made with lamb, hence the name "shepard," referring to someone who tends sheep.
Want to give it a French twist? Top it with cheese or breadcrumbs to
form a crust! You’ll end up with something like cottage pie—but in France, it’s known as the classic Hachis Parmentier.
Gather your ingredients
To make the filling, you'll need:
Ground beef — 85-90% lean works best for this recipe.Potatoes. Russet, Idaho, or Yukon gold potatoes all work great.
Yellow onion — Shallots work well, too.
Carrots —
Celery —
Garlic —
Tomato paste —
Thyme —
Dry red wine —
Beef stock —
Salt & Pepper —
Flour —
Heavy whipping cream —
Butter —
Egg yolk —
To make the mashed potato topping, you'll need:
Heavy whipping cream —
Butter —
Egg yolk —
Salt —
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cottage Pie from Scratch
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- Pellentesque, nunc a lacinia placerat, lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
- Nulla et consectetur ligula, ut fringilla velit. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Aenean urna urna, semper sed consectetur sit amet!
- Pellentesque, nunc a lacinia placerat, lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
How to Pipe the Mashed Potato Topping
- Nulla et consectetur ligula, ut fringilla velit. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Aenean urna urna, semper sed consectetur sit amet!
- Pellentesque, nunc a lacinia placerat, lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
- Nulla et consectetur ligula, ut fringilla velit. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Aenean urna urna, semper sed consectetur sit amet!
- Pellentesque, nunc a lacinia placerat, lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
Pro Casserole Tips
Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper. Sed lacinia tempor orci, non lacinia purus faucibus non. Aliquam gravida risus nec velit lacinia dapibus. Phasellus at magna id elit tristique lacinia ec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
What to serve with Cottage Pie
Nulla et consectetur ligula, ut fringilla velit. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Aenean urna urna, semper sed consectetur sit amet!
Pellentesque, nunc a lacinia placerat, lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
5. Etiam quam maximus tempus
Nulla et consectetur ligula, ut fringilla velit. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Aenean urna urna, semper sed consectetur sit amet!
Pellentesque, nunc a lacinia placerat, lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris. Phasellus velit nisi, lobortis quis nisi et, venenatis finibus velit. Integer non nibh eget arcu malesuada ullamcorper.
Lacus nunc condimentum elit, nec scelerisque urna nisl at turpis. Morbi nec accumsan sem. Suspendisse eget elit mauris dolor.
Final thoughts
Donec quis diam felis. Etiam id quam maximus, tempus justo at posuere est!
Aenean urna urna – semper sed consectetur sit amet, pretium eu ante. Nulla et consectetur ligula, ut fringilla velit. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nulla sagittis vel ante sit amet tempor. In sit amet neque non tellus interdum tincidunt eget eu odio. Donec quis diam felis. Etiam id quam maximus, tempus justo at posuere est!