Cottage pie recipe for six people
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This is a six-serving beef cottage pie with a cheesy potato crust. It is distinct from lamb shepherd's pie and uses everyday vegetables.
Ingredients
Russet potatoes
3 pounds
Whole milk
3/4 cup
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup, shredded
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Lean ground beef
1 1/2 pounds
Yellow onion
1
Carrots
2
Celery stalks
2
Garlic cloves
3
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
Beef broth
1 cup
Frozen peas
1 cup
Fresh thyme
1 teaspoon
How to make it
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Boil potatoes until tender. 2. Mash potatoes with milk, butter, and cheddar; season to taste. 3. Cook beef in oil with onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. 4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, broth, thyme, and peas; simmer until thick. 5. Transfer filling to a baking dish, spread potatoes over it, and bake until golden, about 25 minutes.
Who this list is for
This list is for home cooks preparing a classic beef cottage pie with cheddar mash for six people. If you want to serve a warm, filling meal to family or friends, and prefer beef over lamb, this is your guide. It uses basic vegetables and pantry staples, so it's well-suited for everyday kitchens.
How to use this list
Start by checking your pantry and fridge for the items listed. Gather 3 pounds of russet potatoes, whole milk, unsalted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese for the mashed topping. For the filling, you’ll need lean ground beef, a yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, frozen peas, and fresh thyme round out the flavors. Cross off any ingredients you already have to avoid duplicates. Shop for the rest in one trip.
Common mistakes
A common error is confusing cottage pie with shepherd’s pie—remember, this recipe calls for beef, not lamb. Don’t skip the cheddar cheese; it’s what makes the mash distinctively rich. Avoid using waxy potatoes, as russets mash best. Also, don’t forget the Worcestershire sauce—missing it can leave the filling bland. Skipping the fresh thyme or using dried can change the flavor profile, so stick to the list.
What is on this list
You’ll need russet potatoes, whole milk, unsalted butter, and sharp cheddar for the topping. The filling uses lean ground beef, yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, frozen peas, and fresh thyme complete the dish. As you check your kitchen, cross off what you already own to keep shopping efficient.
Before you start cooking
Before you begin, wash and prep all vegetables. Shred the cheddar and measure out your ingredients. Make sure your beef is thawed and your oven is preheated if needed. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother and helps prevent missing steps.
FAQ
Who is "Cottage pie recipe for six people" for?
This list is for home cooks preparing a classic beef cottage pie with cheddar mash for six people. If you want to serve a warm, filling meal to family or friends, and prefer beef over lamb, this is your guide. It uses basic vegetables and pantry staples, so it's well-suited for everyday kitchens.
How should I use "Cottage pie recipe for six people"?
Start by checking your pantry and fridge for the items listed. Gather 3 pounds of russet potatoes, whole milk, unsalted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese for the mashed topping. For the filling, you’ll need lean ground beef, a yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, frozen peas, and fresh thyme round…
What should I skip or avoid with "Cottage pie recipe for six people"?
A common error is confusing cottage pie with shepherd’s pie—remember, this recipe calls for beef, not lamb. Don’t skip the cheddar cheese; it’s what makes the mash distinctively rich. Avoid using waxy potatoes, as russets mash best. Also, don’t forget the Worcestershire sauce—missing it can leave the filling bland. Skipping the fresh thyme or using dried ca…
What is on the "Cottage pie recipe for six people" list?
You’ll need russet potatoes, whole milk, unsalted butter, and sharp cheddar for the topping. The filling uses lean ground beef, yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, frozen peas, and fresh thyme complete the dish. As you check your kitchen, cross off what you already own to keep shopping efficient.
What should I know about before you start cooking?
Before you begin, wash and prep all vegetables. Shred the cheddar and measure out your ingredients. Make sure your beef is thawed and your oven is preheated if needed. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother and helps prevent missing steps.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.