This easy cottage pie is an old-fashioned English dish that’s as cozy and soul-warming as it gets! Made with seasoned ground beef and gravy, mixed veggies, and a mashed potato topping, you’ve got the protein, carbs, and vegetbles in every bite. One pan, simple ingredients, and a comforting, hearty meal—cottage pie is the ultimate way to feed a hungry crowd!

A plated slice of cottage pie on a white dish, showcasing the layered mashed potatoes and beef filling with vegetables.

Cottage Pie vs Shepards Pie

You might be wondering, isn’t this just shepherd’s pie? Truth be told, no! Many people confuse cottage pie with shepherd’s pie, but the difference is in the meat that is used.

Some people use the names interchangeably, but traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, and cottage pie is made with beef.

A close-up of a spoonful of cottage pie, showing golden mashed potatoes on top of a beef and vegetable mixture, garnished with chopped parsley. The casserole dish with the remaining pie is visible in the background.

When I think of the ultimate comfort food, casseroles are hands down the first things that come to mind. Things like chicken dumpling casserole, easy tater tot casserole, cheeseburger casserole, you name it!

This quick and easy cottage pie is right up there with not only comfort food, but it’s definitely one of the classics. A tried and true favorite around here, but what makes it even better are the short cuts! Instant mashed potatoes, gravy packets, and mixed veggies come together in under an hour.

It tastes just like it would if it were made from scratch, so the shortcuts can be our little secret.

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s got all the shortcuts without skimping on the flavor!
With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together quickly and easily.
This ground beef shepards pie tastes just like grandma used to make.
Make it ahead for an easy dinner on a busy night.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy Cottage Pie Recipe

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

A neatly arranged selection of cottage pie ingredients, featuring a package of ground beef sirloin, McCormick brown gravy mix, Idahoan buttery mashed potatoes, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, a whole onion, and two glass shakers of salt and pepper.

Lean ground beef – I use lean ground beef, so there’s not a ton of extra grease. If using regular ground beef, make sure to drain the excess grease.
Yellow onion – Diced onions are cooked down with the meat delivering tons of flavor.
Brown gravy – A packet of brown gravy mix makes for an easy shortcut or you can use my easy turkey gravy without drippings recipe (subbing beef stock for turkey broth) if you prefer homemade.
Cold water – Follow the package instructions for water measurements in both the gravy and potato mixes.
Frozen mixed veggies – These typically include diced carrots, peas, green beans, and corn. No need to thaw them; just toss them in frozen.
Salt and black pepper – To taste.
Instant potatoes – Pick up a family-size package of instant potatoes. I prefer the kind made with real butter. If you’re up to making them from scratch, you will need about 4 cups of homemade mashed potatoes or mashed party potatoes.

How to Make Easy Cottage Pie

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Break apart the meat into crumbles as you go. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

A two-step cooking process showing a large skillet with browned ground beef and sautéed onions on the left, and the same mixture with peas, carrots, corn, and green beans mixed in on the right.

Step 2: Whisk the gravy with as much water as listed on the package. I like to do this right in a measuring cup or small bowl. Mix until smooth and then pour it into the skillet with the meat mixture.

Step 3: Now, add the vegetables, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes while stirring often. While the beef and veggies are cooking, follow the instructions on the instant potato package to prepare those as well.

Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to the bottom of a prepared baking dish and use a spatula or wooden spoon to spread it out into an even layer. Then, top that with the mashed potatoes. Avoid smoothing out the mashed potatoes, you want to keep the peaks, so they not only get extra brown, but it gives it some texture.

A white casserole dish with cooked ground beef and vegetables on the left and mashed potatoes spread on top on the right.

Step 5: Bake in a preheated 375℉ for 20-25 minutes until the top of the potatoes are golden.

A baked cottage pie in a white casserole dish with a golden-brown mashed potato topping.

Pro Tip:

For cheesy mashed potatoes, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.

Storage

Refrigerator – Keep stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer – Freeze it for up to 1 month. Mashed potatoes may become slightly grainy after freezing and thawing, but they will still be delicious.

How to reheat – Microwave individual portions or warm larger amounts in the oven tented with foil at 350°F until heated through.

Make Ahead Tip

Prepare it in advance by assembling the entire dish, covering it with plastic wrap, and placing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it the next day. Pop it in the oven straight from the fridge and add a few extra minutes of baking time.

A close-up of a white casserole dish with a portion of cottage pie scooped out, revealing the seasoned ground beef, peas, carrots, corn, and green beans beneath the golden mashed potato topping.

Additions and variations

Use leftover mashed potatoes (4 cups) or gravy (1 cup) instead of packaged versions.
Swap gravy mix for 1 cup homemade gravy or use beef broth + Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Try sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a fun twist on the topping.
Add extra veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or celery for more texture and flavor.
Stir in dried rosemary or thyme with the beef for a richer, herby taste.

A serving of cottage pie being lifted from a baking dish, revealing the filling underneath.

More Comfort Food Recipes

Recipe

A close-up shot of a spoonful of cottage pie, highlighting the creamy mashed potato topping and hearty beef and vegetable filling, with the casserole dish in the background.

Recipe

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Easy Cottage Pie

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 10

Cook: 45

Total: 55

A quick and easy cottage pie made with ground beef, gravy, mixed veggies, and mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal with minimal effort!

Ingredients

▢ 2 pounds lean ground beef
▢ 1 yellow onion diced
▢ 1 packet brown gravy mix
▢ 5 cups cold water divided, or as called for on gravy & potato mixes
▢ 12 ounce bag frozen mixed veggies
▢ ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
▢ 8 ounce instant potatoes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375℉. Spray a baking dish with non stick spray and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and brown ground beef, breaking the beef up as it cooks. Cook until meat is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk to combine the gravy mix with 1 cup water (or as called for on the gravy packet, until smooth and combined. Pour into the skillet. Add the vegetables, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, start preparing the instant potatoes, following the instructions on the package.
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the bottom of the baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Do not smooth out the top of the mashed potatoes, you want the top to have some texture to it.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

You can use 4 cups of homemade mashed potatoes instead of instant.

For the gravy, swap the mix for 1 cup of homemade gravy if preferred.

Nutrition

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