Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie Recipe

This Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie is a comforting British classic made with rich, savory minced beef in a flavorful gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, and baked until golden brown. With deep, umami flavors from Worcestershire sauce, red wine, and fresh herbs, this dish is the perfect hearty meal for any occasion. Ready in 1 hour, it’s a simple yet impressive dish the whole family will love.

What is Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie?

Gordon Ramsay’s Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish featuring minced beef cooked in a thick, rich gravy with carrots, onions, and garlic. The beef filling is topped with a smooth, buttery mashed potato layer and baked until crispy and golden. Unlike Shepherd’s Pie, which uses lamb, Cottage Pie is made with beef.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Lasagne Al Forno
• Gordon Ramsay Poussin
• Gordon Ramsay Spaghetti Bolognese
• Gordon Ramsay Béchamel Sauce

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

• Rich and hearty flavor: A perfect blend of beef, vegetables, and herbs.
• Creamy mashed potato topping: Golden brown and fluffy.
• Perfect for meal prep: Freezes and reheats well.
• Great for family dinners: A filling and satisfying meal.
• Simple ingredients, bold taste: Easy to make but packed with flavor.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

For the Beef Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (minced beef)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups beef stock
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

For Garnish & Serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra cracked black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

Step 1: Make the Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
5. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
6. Pour in red wine (if using) and cook for 2 minutes until reduced.
7. Add beef stock and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
8. Optional: Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir in to thicken the gravy.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potato Topping

9. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
10. Drain and mash with butter, cream (or milk), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
11. Optional: Stir in grated cheddar cheese for a richer topping.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

12. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
13. Transfer beef filling into a baking dish.
14. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the beef layer, using a fork to create texture.
15. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on top.
16. Optional: Broil for 5 minutes for extra browning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

17. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

• Steamed Green Beans: A fresh, simple side.
• Buttered Peas: A classic British pairing.
• Crusty Bread: Great for scooping up extra gravy.
• Red Wine: Complements the rich beef filling.
• Simple Green Salad: Balances the hearty flavors.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

• Use good-quality beef: Lean ground beef gives the best texture.
• Simmer the filling: Allows the flavors to develop fully.
• Mash potatoes well: A smooth, creamy topping makes all the difference.
• Let it rest before serving: Helps the layers set for better texture.
• Use a fork for texture: It creates crispy peaks when baked.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Use sweet potatoes: A healthier, slightly sweet topping.
• Try ground turkey: A lighter alternative to beef.
• Add mushrooms: For extra umami flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil and almond milk for the mashed potatoes.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Thaw properly: Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie

• Oven method: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave method: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• Avoid drying out: Cover with foil while reheating to keep moisture in.

FAQs

What is the difference between Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?

Cottage Pie is made with beef, while Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb.

Can I make Cottage Pie ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Why is my Cottage Pie filling too runny?

Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.

Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?

Yes! Cheddar or Parmesan adds extra richness and flavor.

Final Words

This Gordon Ramsay Cottage Pie Recipe is a warm, comforting dish that brings rich flavors and creamy textures together in a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a taste of traditional British comfort food!

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