🥧 Cheesy Beef & Potato Pie

📝 Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup beef broth

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup warm milk (or cream for richer taste)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella (optional, for stretch)

• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork tender.

2. Drain well.

3. Mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.

3. Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

5. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.

6. Pour in beef broth.

7. If needed, sprinkle in flour to thicken.

8. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

The mixture should be moist but not watery.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Spread beef mixture evenly in a baking dish or pie pan.

2. Spoon mashed potatoes over the beef layer.

3. Smooth the top.

4. Sprinkle generously with cheddar and mozzarella.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

🍽️ Tips for That Perfect Gooey Look

• Use freshly shredded cheese (melts better).

• Add 1 egg yolk to mashed potatoes for richer texture.

• Score the potato surface with a fork before baking for crispy peaks.

❓ Q & A

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready (add 5–10 extra minutes).

❓ Can I freeze it?

Yes.

• Freeze before baking for best results.

• Wrap tightly.

• Freeze up to 2 months.

• Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–60 minutes.

❓ Can I use ground turkey instead?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well — just add a little extra seasoning since they’re leaner.

❓ Why is my filling watery?

Common causes:

• Didn’t simmer long enough

• Too much broth

• Potatoes weren’t drained well

Fix: Add a little flour or cornstarch slurry while cooking beef.

❓ What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and this?

Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb.
If using beef, it’s technically Cottage Pie.

❓ Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Great additions:

• Peas

• Carrots

• Corn

• Mushrooms

Add them to the beef layer while simmering.

❓ How do I get a crispy top?

• Broil at the end

• Mix Parmesan into the cheese

• Brush melted butter lightly over the cheese before baking