Crispy Potato-Topped Beef 'Pie'

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A rustic, no-bake alternative to cottage pie with crispy potato layers and savory beef filling. This british-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes layers ground beef, potatoes, onion into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 small diced onion
• 1 medium diced carrots
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread 1.5 lbs thinly sliced potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy, then set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion, 1 medium diced carrot, and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the mixture is thickened.
4. Step 4: Layer the cooked beef mixture into a 9x9-inch baking dish, then top with the crispy potatoes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the edges are crispy.