Ina Garten’s Cottage Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that layers savory ground beef and vegetables beneath a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

What is Ina Garten Cottage Pie?

Cottage Pie is a traditional dish made with a flavorful ground beef filling, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked until golden. Ina Garten’s version adds fresh herbs and simple seasonings for a more elevated take on this homestyle favorite.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Comfort Food: A warm and hearty dish perfect for cozy evenings.
One-Pan Wonder: A complete meal with protein, vegetables, and starch.
Easy to Make: These are straightforward steps with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when ready.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cottage Pie

For the Filling

Ground beef – 1 ½ pounds
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion – 1 large, diced
Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and diced
Celery – 2 stalks, diced
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
Beef stock – 1 cup
Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon, chopped
Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Frozen peas – 1 cup

For the Mashed Potato Topping

Russet potatoes – 2 pounds, peeled and cubed
Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
Heavy cream – ½ cup (warm)
Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Prepare the Filling

Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and remove from heat.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

Cook the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, warm cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Assemble the Cottage Pie

Layer the Filling: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the Topping: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them evenly to cover. Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface.

Bake the Cottage Pie

Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the dish on the center rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Serve

Cool Slightly: Let the cottage pie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cottage Pie?

Green Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work well.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra gravy.
Pickled Beets: A tangy side that balances the savory filling.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the flavor.
Drain Excess Fat: Ensures the filling isn’t greasy.
Smooth Potato Topping: Spread mashed potatoes evenly for even baking.
Let It Rest: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving for clean slices.
Customize: Add mushrooms or use ground lamb for a Shepherd’s Pie variation.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Add Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the filling.
Layered Vegetables: Include zucchini or mushrooms in the filling for added texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cottage Pie

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the assembled, unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Value

Calories: ~400 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fats: 20g
Fiber: 4g

FAQs

Can You Make Cottage Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, cottage pie can be assembled ahead of time. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What’s the Difference Between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?

Cottage pie is made with ground beef, while shepherd’s pie traditionally uses ground lamb. Both feature a savory filling topped with mashed potatoes.

Can You Freeze Cottage Pie?

Cottage pie freezes well. Assemble it without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How Do You Prevent the Mashed Potato Topping from Sinking?

To prevent sinking, ensure the filling is thickened properly and has cooled slightly before layering the mashed potatoes on top. This creates a stable base for the topping.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cottage Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides for a warm and satisfying meal!

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