---
title: Classic Cottage Pie
description: Hearty minced beef gravy simmered with carrots, celery, and herbs, topped with a rich cheddar mashed potato crust.
servings: 10
prep time: 35 minutes
cook time: 1 hour 50 minutes
source: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/cottage-pie
tags:
  - mains
  - british
  - comfort-food
  - beef
  - pie
---

= Beef Filling

Heat @olive oil{1%tbsp} in a #large saucepan{} over medium-high heat. Add @beef mince{1.25%kg} (in batches if needed) and cook until nicely browned. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Add the remaining @olive oil{2%tbsp} to the pan over gentle heat. Add finely chopped @onions{2}, chopped @carrots{3}, and chopped @celery sticks{3}. Cook gently for ~{20%minutes} until soft and sweet.

Add finely chopped @garlic{2%cloves}, @plain flour{3%tbsp}, and @tomato purée{1%tbsp}. Turn up the heat and cook, stirring constantly, for ~{2%minutes}.

Return the browned beef to the pan. Pour in @red wine{175%ml} and boil for ~{2%minutes} to reduce slightly.

Pour in @beef stock{850%ml}, @Worcestershire sauce{4%tbsp}, @fresh thyme{4%sprigs}, and @bay leaves{2}.

Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for ~{45%minutes}, until the meat is tender and the gravy is thick and glossy. Season generously with @salt{} and freshly ground @black pepper{}. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

= Cheddar Mash

While the filling simmers, peel and chop @potatoes{1.8%kg}. Place in a #large saucepan{}, cover with cold salted water, bring to the boil, and simmer for ~{15-20%minutes} until tender when pierced with a knife.

Drain well in a #colander{}, then return the potatoes to the warm pan and let steam-dry for ~{2%minutes}.

Mash thoroughly with a #potato masher{} together with @milk{225%ml}, @butter{25%g}, and three-quarters of the grated @strong cheddar cheese{200%g}. Season with @freshly grated nutmeg{1/4%tsp}, salt, and pepper.

= Assembly & Baking

Preheat your oven to 220°C / 200°C fan (425°F / gas 7).

Spoon the beef filling evenly into two #large ovenproof baking dishes{} (or one large roasting tray).

Spread or pipe the warm mashed potato evenly over the filling, roughing up the surface with a fork for extra crispy edges. Scatter the remaining grated cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for ~{25-30%minutes} until bubbling and the cheese topping is golden and crisp. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.