Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1.5 lbs ground beef or ground lamb (choose one, or use a combination)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Potato Topping:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk or half and half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds richness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Filling:
- Brown the meat and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground meat, thyme, and rosemary. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make a flavorful base: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas and corn. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Potato Topping:
- Cook potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash with flavor: Return potatoes to the pot. Add butter, milk (or half and half), Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Layer: Spoon meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer. Use a fork to create a textured top, if desired.
- Bake and serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Boost flavor: Add minced garlic with the onions for extra flavor.
- Veggie options: Use a mixture of carrots, peas, and corn, or add other vegetables like diced mushrooms.
- Make it a cottage pie: Replace the ground lamb with ground beef for a classic cottage pie.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes before baking for extra melty goodness.
- Individual portions: For individual servings, use ramekins or smaller oven-safe dishes.
