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Cozy Cottage Pie with Ground Beef Easy Crispy Mashed Potato Crust Recipe

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A comforting cottage pie featuring savory ground beef with herbs and veggies, topped with a golden, crispy mashed potato crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and carrots mix (or fresh diced veggies)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 large potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 700g), peeled and quartered
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and quarter 3 large potatoes (~1.5 lbs / 700g). Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the potatoes with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/4 cup whole milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a richer crust. Set aside.
  3. While potatoes cook, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  6. Add 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef filling evenly in your oven-safe baking dish.
  8. Top the filling with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture on the surface to help it crisp up.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
  10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Use room temperature butter and milk for creamier mashed potatoes. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for the crust. Leftovers reheat best in oven to maintain crispness. Can substitute sweet potatoes or use Greek yogurt for a lighter mash. Naturally gluten-free. For vegetarian version, swap beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage pie, ground beef, mashed potato crust, comfort food, easy dinner, crispy topping, family meal, gluten-free

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/cozy-cottage-pie-with-ground-beef-easy-crispy-mashed-potato-crust-recipe/