Easy Cottage Pie Recipe

Cottage Pie is a comforting classic, made even more convenient! This recipe offers a hearty meal that combines layers of seasoned ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a crispy cheese layer for a delicious finish. It’s easy to prepare, and can be made in the air fryer gives it an extra golden crust in no time.

Why Make Cottage Pie?

Using an air fryer for cottage pie speeds up cooking and provides a wonderfully crisp top layer. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that golden-brown cheese topping without needing a broiler. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid heating the oven, making this a year-round favorite.

PRO TIPS for the Best Cottage Pie

1. Use Fluffy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes make the best-mashed potatoes, adding fluffiness to your topping.
2. Chutney for Flavor: A little chutney adds depth and sweetness, enhancing the savory flavors of the meat.
3. Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is cooked evenly for a richer, deeper flavor in your filling.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The hearty base of the dish.
• Medium potatoes: Essential for the creamy mashed potato layer.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth to the beef layer.
• Mixed vegetables: Adds color, flavor, and texture to the filling.
• Tomato paste: Gives a rich tomato flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth to the ground beef/lamb sauce.
• Salt, pepper, mixed herbs: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Cheese (optional but recommended): For a delicious, golden-brown topping.

How to prepare Cottage Pie

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, quarter, and boil the potatoes until soft. Once cooked, mash them with a bit of butter and milk for a creamy texture (optional).

Sauté the Onion: Dice the onion. In a large pan over medium heat, brown the diced onion in a little oil until golden.

Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan with the onions. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked.

Add Sauces & Vegetables: Stir in the tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Assemble the Cottage Pie: Spoon the beef mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the mashed potatoes if desired.

Cooking your cottage pie

Option 1: Cookn the Air Fryer: Place the baking dish in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to crisp up. You may need to add a few minutes if your air fryer has lower wattage.

Option 2: Cook in the Oven: For larger portions, cook at 350°F for 20 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.

Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If your air fryer has a broiler option, broil for 2-3 minutes to get a golden-brown cheese crust.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers Cottage Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or in your oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F) to keep the mashed potato layer from drying out.

Cooking Methods for Cottage Pie

• Air Fryer: I love making my cottage pies in the air fryer especially when i am making pies for just of us in the family. This is a quick and effective method, ideal for achieving a crispy topping.
• Oven: For larger portions, cook at 350°F for 20 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.
• Stovetop: For reheating only, use a covered pan on low heat until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Cottage pie pairs well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots. For an added touch, serve with a slice of fresh bread to soak up the savory juices.

Cottage Pie Recipe

Enjoy a comforting and hearty Cottage Pie with layers of savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crispy golden topping. This classic recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Easy to make and full of rich flavors, Cottage Pie is a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, British

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 12 medium potatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 can mixed vegetables
• 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt pepper, mixed herbs
• Cheese

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, quarter, and boil the potatoes until soft. Once cooked, mash them with a bit of butter and milk for a creamy texture (optional).
• Sauté the Onion: Dice the onion. In a large pan over medium heat, brown the diced onion in a little oil until golden.
• Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan with the onions. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked.
• Add Sauces & Vegetables: Stir in the tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Assemble the Cottage Pie: Spoon the beef mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, smoothing the top.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the mashed potatoes if desired.
• Cooking your cottage pie
• Option 1: Cookn the Air Fryer: Place the baking dish in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to crisp up. You may need to add a few minutes if your air fryer has lower wattage.
• Option 2: Cook in the Oven: For larger portions, cook at 350°F for 20 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.
• Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If your air fryer has a broiler option, broil for 2-3 minutes to get a golden-brown cheese crust.

Notes

• This recipe is super easy to make and cannot be flopped.
• It also works well to prepare in advance and then skip to cooking in the air fryer or oven just before serving.
• Spices can be changed as per taste, Worcestershire Sauce is not required but adds a lovely taste. 
• This cottage pie is delicious as leftovers too.

Keyword Cottage Pie Recipe, Sheppard Pie

what goes with cottage pie?

Cottage pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that add color, flavor, and texture to the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, peas, or broccoli add freshness and color to balance the richness of the pie.
2. Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
3. Buttered Peas: Sweet and buttery peas are a classic pairing, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory flavors.
4. Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh or toasted crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the filling and soaking up any juices.
5. Braised Red Cabbage: This slightly tangy side dish adds depth and complements the savory, hearty elements of the pie.
6. Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets add warmth and extra heartiness to the meal.
7. Pickled Beets: A tangy, slightly sweet side that cuts through the richness of the dish with a refreshing bite.
8. Garlic Mushrooms: Sautéed or roasted garlic mushrooms provide earthy flavors that enhance the beefy taste of cottage pie.

Each of these sides will complement cottage pie, adding brightness and balance to the meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare up to the air-frying step, then store in the fridge. Air fry just before serving.

2. What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add peas, carrots, or celery to the beef filling for more texture and flavor.

3. Can I freeze Cottage Pie?
Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

This Cottage Pie Recipe is a warm and comforting dish with a crispy top that’s sure to please! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food.