Cottage Pie with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

There’s something deeply comforting about a classic cottage pie, it’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug.

This version takes it up a notch with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on top, adding rich flavor and a velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory meat filling.

It’s an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or meal prep because it tastes even better the next day. The best thing is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients and comes together in one baking dish, making it easy and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 500 g (about 1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s alcohol-free)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup corn kernels (optional, for added sweetness)

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup milk (or more for creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Start by adding your peeled and cubed potatoes and whole garlic cloves to a large pot of salted water.
2. Bring it to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain well, then return the potatoes and garlic to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if you prefer a softer texture. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, mixing well to coat the meat. This helps thicken the sauce later.
5. Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the peas (and corn if using), and stir through for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Cottage Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Spoon the garlic mashed potatoes on top, smoothing them out with a spatula. You can use a fork to create decorative ridges — they’ll turn beautifully golden in the oven.
4. Optional: Add small dots of butter on top for extra flavor and browning.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
2. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for an extra 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
3. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the layers hold together nicely.

Tips for the Perfect Cottage Pie

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes make the fluffiest mash.
• Add depth of flavor: A teaspoon of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (non-alcoholic) in the meat filling enhances the savory taste.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it fresh before serving.
• Make it lighter: For a healthier version, use lean beef and reduce the butter in the potatoes.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

This Cottage Pie with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, filling, and has just the right mix of creamy and savory layers.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe delivers every single time. Serve it with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad for the perfect balance.

Try it out and let me know in the comments!