Hearty Cottage Pie with Beef, Sausage, and Mashed Potato Topping Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb ground sausage (I use Jimmy Dean pork sausage)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1-2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes (Yukon gold or Russet potatoes can be used)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and ground sausage together until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato paste, beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add Vegetables: Mix in the frozen corn and peas. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaves, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

4. 4

   Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add sour cream, milk, and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese.

5. 5

   Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Dollop the mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes.

6. 6

   Bake: Place the assembled cottage pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. 7

   Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and comforting cottage pie!