Gluten-Free Cottage Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gluten-Free Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food, providing the perfect balance of hearty meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes. The ground meat (usually beef or lamb) is simmered in a savory gravy with vegetables, creating a rich, flavorful base. Topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is filling, satisfying, and naturally gluten-free. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food without any hassle, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for traditional cottage pie)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free)

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)

• 2 tbsp gluten-free flour (or cornstarch for thickening)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1/4 cup dairy-free butter (or regular butter)

• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

4. Make the gravy: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour (or cornstarch) over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens and the vegetables are tender. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Assemble the cottage pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the meat and vegetable filling into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them evenly with a spatula. Use the back of a spoon to create a textured surface on top of the potatoes (this will help them brown nicely).

6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

7. Serve: Let the cottage pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

• Active time: 20 minutes

• Cooking time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat with lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian or vegan version of cottage pie. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

• Dairy-Free: To make the dish dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and milk in the mashed potatoes, and ensure the broth is free from any dairy-based ingredients.

• Extra Veggies: Add extra vegetables to the filling, such as parsnips, corn, or green beans, to increase the nutritional content and add variety to the dish.

• Spicy Cottage Pie: Add a bit of chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the filling for a slight kick of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover cottage pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef or lamb. It will provide a lighter flavor and still work well with the seasonings and gravy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cottage pie ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze gluten-free cottage pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cottage pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.

Can I make this dish without peas?

Yes, you can omit the peas or replace them with other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn, depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of flour for thickening?

Yes, if you don’t have gluten-free flour, you can use cornstarch or rice flour to thicken the gravy. Just make sure to adjust the amount as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

What’s the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

The primary difference is the type of meat used. Traditional cottage pie is made with beef, while shepherd’s pie is made with lamb. Since this is a gluten-free recipe, both versions can be made with any meat of your choice, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Gluten-Free Cottage Pie is the perfect meal for cozy nights when you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish. With its flavorful beef or lentil filling, savory gravy, and creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with nutrients, making it the ideal gluten-free option for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort food. Try this recipe today for a satisfying, homemade meal that everyone will love!