Ina Garten’s Cottage Pie is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings. Similar to Shepherd’s Pie, this classic dish features ground beef (instead of lamb), cooked in a rich gravy with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbly, Ina’s version of cottage pie brings delicious flavors and comfort food to your table.

What Is Ina Garten Cottage Pie?

Ina Garten’s Cottage Pie is a savory dish made with seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, carrots, and peas, then simmered in a flavorful gravy. It’s topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. Cottage pie is the perfect make-ahead meal that you can enjoy any night of the week.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food: Cottage pie is the ultimate comfort food with its rich beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping.
Easy to Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, it’s perfect for family dinners.

Hearty and Satisfying: With protein, vegetables, and potatoes in one dish, it’s a complete meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cottage Pie

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds ground beef

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for mashed potatoes)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Cook the onions and carrots: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and diced carrots, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Add garlic and beef: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Simmer with broth: Pour in the beef broth and fresh thyme. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly.
Add peas and season: Stir in the frozen peas, then season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Make mashed potatoes: While the filling is simmering, prepare mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Drain, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. (You can also use leftover mashed potatoes for this step.)

Step 4: Assemble the Cottage Pie

Layer the beef mixture: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef mixture into a large baking dish or casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with mashed potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef filling, spreading it evenly with a spatula. For added texture, use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
Optional: Add Parmesan: If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mashed potatoes for a golden, crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake the Cottage Pie

Bake: Place the assembled cottage pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Broil for extra crispiness (optional): For a crispier topping, broil the pie for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve

Let it rest and serve: Allow the cottage pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve warm.

Ina Garten Cottage Pie Recipe — Ina Garten Cottage Pie

What Goes Well with Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the pie.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add a healthy balance to the meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Pickles or Chutney: For a tangy contrast, serve cottage pie with a side of pickles or chutney.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
Smooth Potato Topping: Ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy to make spreading over the filling easier.

Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: Grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese on top adds a delicious, golden crust.
Let It Rest: Allow the cottage pie to rest for a few minutes after baking so the filling sets and is easier to serve.

Variations of Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Shepherd’s Pie: Swap out the ground beef for ground lamb to make a traditional Shepherd’s Pie.

Vegetarian Cottage Pie: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded Cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra cheesy topping.
Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the mashed potatoes for added flavor.

Storing Ina Garten Cottage Pie: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover cottage pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for later: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Label and date: Be sure to label and date the cottage pie when freezing it for easy tracking.

Reheating Ina Garten Cottage Pie: Best Practices

Oven method: Reheat the cottage pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
Add moisture if needed: If the mashed potatoes dry out during reheating, add a little milk or butter to keep them creamy.

How Can I Make Ina Garten Cottage Pie Healthier?

To make Ina Garten’s Cottage Pie healthier, try these adjustments:

Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
Increase vegetables: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition.

Lighter mashed potatoes: Use light cream or milk in the mashed potatoes instead of butter for a lighter version.
Sweet potato topping: Swap regular potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes for a healthier and slightly sweeter alternative.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 430

Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 650mg

Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

FAQs

Can I make cottage pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make cottage pie ahead of time. Prepare the beef filling and mashed potato topping, then assemble the pie in your baking dish. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and bake as directed.

Can cottage pie be frozen?

Cottage pie can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing after baking, let the pie cool completely before freezing.

What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?

The main difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie is the type of meat used. Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses ground lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with ground beef. Both are topped with mashed potatoes and baked.

How do I prevent mashed potatoes from sinking into the filling?

To prevent mashed potatoes from sinking into the beef filling, let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes. This allows the filling to thicken, helping the potato layer stay on top. Spreading the potatoes gently with a spatula also helps create an even layer.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Cottage Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings rich flavors and satisfaction to the table. With a flavorful beef filling and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection, it’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. Simple to prepare and easily customizable, this cottage pie is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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