Delicious Gluten-Free Cottage Pie Recipe
A classic, comforting gluten-free cottage pie. You know cooler weather is on its way. Curl up and enjoy beef with vegetables and cheesy mash. What are you waiting for?
Hello, lovely readers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a classic British dish that’s perfect for us coeliacs. It’s none other than the hearty and delicious gluten-free cottage pie!
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Cottage pie? Isn’t that usually off-limits for us?” Well, not anymore! I’ve got a fantastic recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance and your tummy happy.
This isn’t just any old cottage pie. It’s a gluten-free version that’s just as scrumptious as the original. Trust me, I’ve tested it on my non-coeliac friends, and they couldn’t tell the difference!
It’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover mince. How’s that for a win-win?
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking. I promise you’re in for a treat!
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
- It’s a proper British classic, made gluten-free without compromising on taste!
- The mashed potato topping is creamy and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings.
- You can easily make it dairy-free by swapping out a few ingredients.
- It’s a brilliant way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
- The recipe is versatile – you can add your favourite veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients
Meat: We’ll be using 500g of minced beef for our hearty filling. It’s the star of the show, so make sure you get good quality mince.
Veggies: Grab an onion, a carrot, celery, and some frozen peas. These add lovely flavour and texture to our pie. If you’re not keen on peas, feel free to swap them out for your favourite veg.
Flavour boosters: We’ll need some garlic, tomato puree, GF beef stock, and GF Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients give our pie that rich, savoury taste we all love.
Herbs: A teaspoon of Italian herbs will add a lovely aromatic touch to the filling.
Topping: For our creamy mash, we’ll use potatoes, butter, and milk. If you’re dairy-free, just swap these out for your favourite alternatives.
Extras: Don’t forget the salt and pepper to season, and a splash of oil for cooking.
Instructions
First things first, let’s get our potatoes sorted. Peel and chop them up, then pop them in a pot of salted water. Bring them to a boil and let them cook until they are nice and soft.
While the potatoes are bubbling away, we’ll start on our filling. Heat up some oil in a large frying pan and chuck in the onion and carrot. Let them soften for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Now for the meaty bit! Add the minced beef to the pan and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with your spoon as it cooks.
Time to add some flavour! Stir in the tin tomatoes, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, thyme, and those lovely frozen peas. Let it all simmer away for about 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened up nicely.
Back to our potatoes – they should be done by now. Drain them well, then mash them up with the butter and milk until they’re smooth and creamy. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Almost there! Pour your beef mixture into an ovenproof dish, then top it with your lovely mashed potatoes. Use a fork to create some texture on top – this will give you those crispy bits we all love. Don’t forget to grate some cheese and add it to the mash topping.
Pop your pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for about 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and slightly crispy. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What to serve with gluten-free cottage pie
Cottage pie is a meal in itself, but if you fancy something on the side, you can’t go wrong with some steamed green vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or peas would all work a treat.
If you’re after something a bit more indulgent, why not try some gluten-free garlic bread? It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy.
For a lighter option, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a nice fresh contrast to the rich, hearty pie.
And of course, no British meal is complete without a nice glass of red wine to wash it all down!
Gluten-Free Cottage Pie Recipe
Are you ready to try my gluten-free cottage pie recipe? Then let’s get started:
Gluten-Free Cottage Pie
Equipment
- Large Frying pan
- Chopping Board
- Sharp Knife
- Oven Proof Dish
- Table Spoon
Ingredients
- 500 g Grass-fed Minced Beef
- 4 Large Potatoes Mashed
- 1 Large Onion Finely chopped
- 3 Large Carrots Cut into small cubes
- 2 Sticks Of Celery Finely chopped
- 400 g Can of Tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs
- 1 Gluten-Free Beef Stock Cube
- 1 tbsp Gluten-Free Worcester Sauce
- 1 Clove of garlic Crushed
- 50 g Cheddar Cheese Grated
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200℃ or Gas mark 6.
- Peel and half the potatoes. Put the potatoes into a saucepan of water and boil for 20 minutes, until soft.
- Finely chop and fry the onion and celery for around 5 minutes.
- Add the beef to the frying pan and fry for 10 minutes.
- Add the clove of garlic, tin of tomatoes, puree, herbs, stock cube, Woseceter sauce and stir well. Fry for a further 5 minutes. You can add a couple of tablespoons of cold water if needed. Add seasoning to taste.
- Move the meat mixture into an oven-proof dish.
- Once the potatoes are cooked drain the cooking water and mash with some butter.
- Add the mashed potato onto the top of the lamb and press down with a fork. Sprinkle with some grated cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed my gluten-free cottage pie recipe, check out these 👇
- Gluten Free Shepherd’s Pie
- Gluten-Free Chilli Con Carne
- Gluten-free beef curry
- Gluten-free beef lasagna
Gluten-Free Cottage Pie Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of my gluten-free cottage pie recipe:
Use Gluten-Free Flour to Thicken
When making the filling, use gluten-free plain flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy instead of regular flour. This ensures the sauce is smooth and gluten-free.
Choose Gluten-Free Stock and Sauces
Always check that your beef stock cubes, Worcestershire sauce, and any other condiments are certified gluten-free to avoid hidden gluten.
Incorporate Plenty of Vegetables
Adding diced carrots, swede, celery, and onions not only boosts nutrition but also adds flavour and texture to the filling.
Simmer the Filling Thoroughly
Allow the meat and vegetable mixture to simmer gently for 30–45 minutes. This develops rich flavours and thickens the sauce nicely.
Use Starchy Potatoes for the Topping
Floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward work best for creamy, fluffy mash that holds up well as a topping.
Add Cheese and Mustard to Mash
Stir in grated extra mature cheddar and a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the mashed potatoes for a tasty, tangy twist.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
After assembling, bake the pie until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges, usually about 20–30 minutes.
Make Ahead and Freeze
Cottage pie freezes well. Prepare in advance and freeze in portions for quick, comforting meals later.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Use separate utensils and cookware if your kitchen isn’t fully gluten-free to keep the dish safe for coeliacs or those with gluten intolerance.
Optional Extras
A splash of red wine in the filling adds depth, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brighten the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Pie
Can I make gluten-free cottage pie dairy-free as well?
Yes, simply substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free cheese if your recipe calls for it. Many recipes accommodate dairy-free alternatives easily.
Is it possible to make a vegan or vegetarian gluten-free cottage pie?
Absolutely. You can replace beef mince with canned lentils, plant-based mince, or other meat substitutes, and use vegan stock cubes and dairy-free margarine or cheese.
What gluten-free flour can I use to thicken the filling?
Gluten-free plain flour or cornstarch (cornflour) are commonly used to thicken the gravy in gluten-free cottage pie recipes.
How long can I keep gluten-free cottage pie in the fridge?
It will last 2-3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze gluten-free cottage pie?
Yes, gluten-free cottage pie freezes well and is great for batch cooking and meal prep.
What ingredients should I check for hidden gluten?
Always verify that stock cubes, Worcestershire sauce, and any seasoning or gravy browning are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I use red wine in gluten-free cottage pie?
Yes, red wine is often added for flavour, but ensure it is gluten-free and use an alcohol-free substitute like hot water if preferred.
What vegetables are commonly added to gluten-free cottage pie?
Carrots, onions, celery, and swede are typical additions that add flavour and texture.
How do I make the mashed potato topping creamy and flavourful?
Use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper, mash with butter (or dairy-free margarine), milk, and add grated mature cheddar or dairy-free cheese and a spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra flavour.
Is gluten-free cottage pie suitable for coeliacs?
Yes, provided all ingredients are gluten-free and cross-contamination is avoided during preparation.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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This is a tasty cottage pie recipe!