Beef and Potato Pie
Layered with seasoned ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then finished with golden mozzarella. Simple, satisfying comfort in every bite.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Meat Layer
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, small, finely chopped
- 1 long green pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 tbsp tomato sauce
- ½ cup frozen peas
Potato Topping
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Method:
Start CookingPrepare the potatoes
- Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with milk, butter, and salt until smooth but thick.
- Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella. Set aside.
Cook the vegetables and beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, green pepper, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- If there is excess grease in the pan, carefully drain most of it before adding the seasonings.
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato sauce. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate slightly.
Assemble and bake
- Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and gently spread to cover.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is melted and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set. Bon appétit.
Kitchen Tools:
- Steamer basket if steaming
- Colander if boiling
- 9×9 baking dish
Notes:
From the kitchen
- Cook the beef mixture until excess moisture evaporates to avoid a watery base.
- Keep the mashed potatoes thick so they hold their shape when layered.
- Spread the potatoes while warm for easier, even coverage.
- Let the dish rest before serving so it sets and slices cleanly.
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Add herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add corn or zucchini for a different vegetable mix.
- If you prefer a more traditional version, you can add gravy to the beef mixture to turn this into a cottage pie. Swap the beef for lamb to make it a classic shepherd’s pie.
- Simple gravy recipe: Melt 1 tbsp butter in the pan, stir in 1 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1 cup beef broth and simmer until slightly thickened. Mix into the beef before assembling.
- Serve warm with a simple green salad on the side.
- It’s a complete meal on its own and perfect for cozy dinners or next-day leftovers.
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Nutrition:
Calories: 719 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 43 g | Saturated Fat: 17 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19 g | Trans Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 125 mg | Sodium: 589 mg | Potassium: 1470 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 7 g | Vitamin A: 3401 IU | Vitamin C: 55 mg | Calcium: 301 mg | Iron: 5 mg
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Ground beef
WHY WE LOVE IT
It’s quick to cook, flavorful, and a reliable base for simple, satisfying meals.
A LITTLE STORY
The invention of the mechanical meat grinder in the mid-1800s made ground beef more accessible, turning it from a hand-chopped preparation into a true household staple.
DID YOU KNOW?
A 3-ounce serving of ground beef provides about 24g of protein and is rich in Vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.
For safety, it should be cooked to 160°F (71°C), as color alone is not a reliable indicator of doneness.