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Comforting Skillet Cottage Pie Recipe with Cheesy Mashed Potato Crust

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A hearty and comforting skillet cottage pie featuring a savory beef and vegetable filling topped with a crispy, cheesy mashed potato crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh if available
  • 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed (almond milk for dairy-free option)
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  3. Mash the potatoes with butter and warmed milk until smooth but slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese and set aside.
  4. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add chopped onion, garlic, and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour in beef broth and simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in frozen peas at the last minute.
  8. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the beef filling in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  9. Bake in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  10. Let the skillet cottage pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra crunchy crust edge, broil the pie for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely. Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best texture. Avoid overcooking the beef to prevent dryness. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. For dairy-free, use almond milk and dairy-free butter and cheese. If no oven-safe skillet is available, bake in a separate dish after assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage pie, skillet recipe, cheesy mashed potato crust, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/comforting-skillet-cottage-pie-recipe-with-cheesy-mashed-potato-crust-easy-steps/