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Comforting Cottage Pie with Cheddar Crust

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A hearty and nostalgic cottage pie topped with a golden, bubbly cheddar crust. This easy homemade dinner combines savory beef filling with creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean, good-quality)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, coating beef and vegetables evenly.
  5. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in frozen peas during last 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. While filling simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add peeled and chopped potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  8. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add softened butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Fold in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese into mashed potatoes, reserving the rest for topping.
  10. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon beef filling evenly into an ovenproof dish.
  11. Spread cheesy mashed potatoes over filling, smoothing surface with a spatula. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or tamari. Sharp cheddar cheese brands like Cabot or Kerrygold are recommended for best flavor. If mashed potatoes are stiff, add a splash more milk before spreading. Let the pie rest 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing. Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage pie, cheddar crust, comfort food, beef pie, mashed potato topping, easy dinner, family meal

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