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Spiced-Up Cottage Pie (Shepherd’s Pie with Beef)

This Spiced-Up Cottage Pie combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and warm spices under a fluffy mashed potato topping. Perfect for hearty family dinners or cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British, Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup corn optional
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 lbs potatoes peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • to taste salt and pepper for potatoes
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Potato masher
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook ground beef in a large skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add onion, garlic, and carrots to beef. Cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add peas and corn, simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Transfer beef mixture to baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
  7. Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden and slightly crispy. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitute ground lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie. Adjust spices to taste. Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until baking for convenience.