zoom_in Click to enlarge

Cottage Pie

▲ ▼

description Cottage Pie Overview

Cottage Pie is a traditional British baked dish consisting of a bottom layer of minced beef cooked in a savory gravy, topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. The assembled dish is baked in an oven until the potato topping becomes crisp and golden brown. The term was historically recorded in British cookbooks in the late 18th century, arising as an economical meal for rural workers who utilized readily available potatoes as an alternative to traditional wheat pie crusts. It is structurally identical to shepherd's pie, which specifically utilizes minced lamb or mutton instead of beef.

help Cottage Pie FAQ

What is the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd's Pie?

Cottage Pie traditionally uses minced beef, while Shepherd's Pie uses minced lamb. Both are baked dishes with savory meat filling under a layer of mashed potatoes.

How is Cottage Pie assembled?

The minced beef is cooked in a savory gravy and placed in the bottom of a baking dish. Mashed potatoes are spread over the top, then the dish is baked until the surface is crisp and golden.

Why does Cottage Pie have a crisp potato topping?

The mashed potatoes are exposed to the oven's heat and brown on the surface during the final bake. Ridges or rough peaks in the potato layer create extra browned edges.

How is Cottage Pie related to France's hachis Parmentier?

Both dishes combine seasoned minced meat with a mashed-potato topping and are baked in the oven. Cottage Pie is the British version and traditionally centers on beef cooked in gravy.

swap_horiz

Looking for Cottage Pie alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward