Easy Cottage Pie Casserole Recipe

Published May 2, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: RecipeTin Eats on YouTube

Preparing for dinner or any mealtime can be tough even with all the recipes that you can find online because there are just too many options to choose from. But, if you want something that’s guaranteed to impress your family or friends and also easy to make at the same time, then opt for casserole dishes.

My favorite go-to recipe for casserole meals is this one by RecipeTin Eats on YouTube. This cottage pie casserole is filled with flavorful meat and buttery mashed potatoes that perfectly balance each other’s taste, plus, it is very quick and easy to prepare!

Ingredients for Cottage Pie Casserole:

1½ tbsp of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery, finely chopped
1.5 pounds of ground beef
¼ cup of flour
¼ cup of tomato paste
2 cups of beef stock, low-sodium
½ cup of red wine or water
1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled
2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of dried thyme
2 dried bay leaves
¾ tsp of salt
½ tsp of black pepper

Topping

2.5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ cubes
2/3 cup of milk, warm
2 tbsp of butter

Parmesan Crust, optional

2 tbsp of butter
2 tbsp of parmesan, grated

How to Make Cottage Pie Casserole:

Step 1

Place a large skillet on a stove over medium-high heat, then add the oil, and heat it before adding the onion and garlic. Give them a good stir and saute for about 1 minute, then add the carrots and celery, and cook them for an additional 3 minutes until softened and sweet.

Step 2

Turn the heat to high, then add the ground beef, break it apart, and cook until nice and brown. Add the flour, then give them a good mix, and add in the tomato paste, broth, red wine, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Give them a good mix to combine, then bring them to a simmer, and turn down the heat. Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally until thickened consistency, then taste and adjust the seasoning to preference, and turn off the heat.

Step 4

Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, cover, and allow it to cool, then preheat your oven to 350°F, and prepare the topping. Boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes until soft, then turn off the heat, drain off all the water, and return the potatoes to the pot.

Step 5

Give them a quick shake, then allow them to steam dry for at least 30 seconds or more, and add in the butter. Mash and mix them until the butter has melted, then add the milk and salt, and continue to mash until smooth and combined.

Step 6

Transfer the mashed potatoes over the cooled meat filling, then spread the topping evenly, and rough up the surface with a fork. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top followed by a drizzle of melted butter for extra crisp.

Step 7

Place the dish in the preheated oven, and allow it to bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes, then serve garnished with fresh thyme leaves, and enjoy!