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Cottage Pie

This dish consists of a savory filling of ground beef cooked with vegetables, herbs, and a splash of Guinness, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The assembled pie is baked until golden and bubbling, resulting in a hearty, layered casserole with a tender meat mixture and a smooth potato crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Irish
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef preferably lean
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots carrots diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup Guinness or other stout
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
  • 2 cups vegetables mixed peas and corn
  • 4 large potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes
  • 0.5 cup milk for mashed potatoes
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Saucepan for potatoes
  • Masher or mixer
  • Oven-safe baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potato chunks in a large saucepan of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
    3 tablespoons butter, 4 large potatoes, 0.5 cup milk
  2. Heat the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
    2 lbs ground beef
  3. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent and carrots are slightly tender.
    1 large onion, 2 carrots carrots
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the Guinness and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 cup Guinness, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon thyme
  5. Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through and thickened. Remove from heat.
    2 cups vegetables
  6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in an oven-safe baking dish. Top with the prepared mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges, about 20-25 minutes. Optional: broil for 2 minutes for extra crispness on top.

Notes

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms.