Description
Gluten-Free Cottage Pie is a comforting, hearty dish made with savory ground meat, vegetables, and rich gravy, all topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes. This gluten-free version of the classic British dish is perfect for a family dinner and is both filling and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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 and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Gradually 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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: 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, for a boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Cottage Pie: Add chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a slight kick of heat.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg