This comforting air fryer cottage pie is made with a flavorful beef and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese. Instead of baking, it’s finished in the air fryer for a quick, cheesy crust—perfect for a cozy, no-fuss meal!
Many people use the terms Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie interchangeably, but there’s a key difference:
- Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb (since shepherds tend sheep!).
- Cottage pie is made with ground beef or ground meat that isn’t lamb.
This version keeps things simple yet flavorful, with a cheesy mashed potato topping that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Whether you’re making it fresh or reheating leftovers, this air fryer method speeds up cooking time while still delivering a golden, bubbly finish.
The air fryer is an excellent choice for a hot day when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Also, since the air fryer is small, it uses less energy than the conventional oven. I used a 7-by-2-inch baking pan and it worked perfectly. If you want to fill it a little more, use a 7-by-3-inch pan. Any heat-safe pan or baking dish that fits in your air fryer will work nicely.
The Ingredients
- Ground beef: Use about 1 pound of lean or regular ground beef. It adds a rich, hearty base to the dish. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Onion and garlic: These add depth and a savory base to the meat layer. Garlic is optional but enhances the flavor.
- Tomato paste: Provides richness and a deeper, more concentrated flavor than ketchup.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and enhances the meatiness of the dish.
- Frozen vegetables: Peas and carrots add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap in corn or another veggie mix.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are essential for the topping. Use leftovers or whip up a quick batch.
- Shredded cheese: Gruyere melts well and adds a sharp, savory finish. Feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or another melty cheese for variety.
- Optional toppings: A sprinkle of paprika or parsley adds vibrancy to the dish along with a bit of extra flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations
Low Carb: Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash or a blend of cauliflower and mashed turnips or rutabaga.
Loaded Style: Add crispy crumbled bacon to the mashed potatoes, along with extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a slightly leaner pie, and add a touch of sage or thyme to complement the flavors.
Vegetarian: Replace the beef with mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
How to Store
Let the cottage pie cool completely, then cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
You can also wrap the cooked or assembled (uncooked) cottage pie and freeze it for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
PrintAir Fryer Cottage PIe
The air fryer is a nice way to cook a comforting cottage pie—it uses less energy and doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Air Fryer, Ground Beef
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
For the Topping:
- 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1/2 to 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Paprika, optional
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef undisturbed for about 4 minutes or until well browned on one side. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook, breaking the meat up, for 3 to 5 minutes or until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables: Leave about 1 tablespoon of beef fat in the skillet. Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Slowly pour in the beef stock, whisking until smooth. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the thawed peas and carrots. Cover and let simmer for 4 minutes.
Return the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a 7-by-2-inch or 7-by-3-inch round baking pan. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese and sprinkle with a bit of paprika if desired.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Air Fry: Place the dish in an air fryer and cook at 375 F (190 C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly browned.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley.
Credit: Diana Rattray
Equipment
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, 5 QT
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Notes
If you prefer to use the oven instead of an air fryer:
- Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Assemble the shepherd’s pie as instructed in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is heated through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
