Gluten Free

Homemade Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe in Tomato Sauce

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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Soft and silky, but also hearty and filling! These Cauliflower Gnocchi are the perfect little vessel for a delicious sauce. This Cauliflower Gnocchi recipe is a healthier version to traditional gnocchi, because it’s made with cauliflower! But you don’t even taste the cauliflower, only the soft pillowy goodness. Add my simple and quick Tomato Sauce and you have soft pillows of heaven.

These little gnocchi are also fantastic because you can make a ton and freeze them!  Before cooking them in water, freeze them on a sheet pan.  Then transfer them to storage containers and store in the freezer for up to 4 months.  Click here to get my printable cheat sheet with 10 Freezer Hacks to make easy dinners!

Cauliflower Gnocchi cut on marble. They are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Why You Should Make Your Own Gnocchi

First, it’s easy!  I know, I know, it’s obviously easier to buy them already made.  But, unlike pasta, there is no rolling out the dough forever or needing a pasta machine.  Nope, this one can be as rustic as you want and only requires your hands!

And, since it’s so easy, it’s fun to make these with kids or friends!  So, have a Gnocchi-Making Party!  It’s a great excuse to get together.  It’s also a great way to bond with the kiddos and get them in the kitchen with you.

Finally, you can make them healthy!  This version has cauliflower, potato, and gluten free flour.  But you can make them with sweet potatoes or butternut squash or pumpkin.  And when you make anything from scratch, you know exactly what’s going in.  For gnocchi, that means no added preservatives or ingredients you cannot pronounce.

Here are some other sauces that I’ve made with pasta that would taste fantastic with this Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe:

Whole Cauliflower for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

CAULIFLOWER HEALTH BENEFITS!

Cauliflower is not only versatile, it’s a great Low-Carb diet food full of health benefits!  While it’s low in carbs, it’s high in Fiber and contains so many vitamins and minerals.  Cauliflower is a Cruciferous Veggie, just like Broccoli and Kale, which we all know are extremely good for us.  So, it also contains important Antioxidants which can help to reduce the risk for heart disease and may have anti-cancer effects.  

Try these other delicious and healthy Cauliflower recipes:

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

PREP-AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI RECIPE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details)

For this recipe, you can make and cut the gnocchi ahead and then freeze them before cooking them in water.  Then simply add them to boiling water while frozen to cook.  You can also make the sauce in advance and warm in a skillet and then toss the gnocchi in to combine.

Cut your cauliflower into small florets.  Peel the potato and cut into small dices.  Immediately add the potato to cold water in a small pot so it doesn’t brown.

Cauliflower florets for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Cook the cauliflower and potato in separate pots.  Place the cauliflower in a large pot with about 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot and steam until the cauliflower is fall apart tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Bring the potato to a boil and then simmer until fork-tender, 10 to 12 minutes.  Drain well.

Cut raw potatoes in pot for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Drain the cauliflower and then put it in a dish towel and squeeze any  excess water out.

Cooked cauliflower in dish towel for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Ringing out cooked cauliflower in dish towel for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

While the cauliflower and potato are still hot, mash them together until the mixture is smooth (use a potato ricer if you have one). Mix in the flour, Parmesan, salt and pepper.

Cooked cauliflower and potato in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower and potato in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Flour added to mashed cauliflower and potato in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Flour, cauliflower and potato mixed in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower  

Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the eggs. Mix well to combine.

Mixing egg in center of cauliflower gnocchi dough in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Mixing egg into cauliflower gnocchi dough in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Separate dough into three-four equal parts and roll out into 1/2-3/4″ diameter ropes on a surface dusted lightly with cornstarch. Cut the ropes of dough into 1″ pieces.

Cornstarch on surface for cauliflower gnocchi dough. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Rolling out gnocchi dough into ropes on surface for cauliflower gnocchi dough. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Cutting gnocchi on surface for cauliflower gnocchi. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Roll each piece across the tines of a fork to create ridges. Set aside on a cornstarch-dusted baking sheet.

Rolling gnocchi on fork on for cauliflower gnocchi. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

COOK YOUR CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI RECIPE! 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook until they float to the surface, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon,  transfer them to sheet pan while the rest cook. Cauliflower gnocchi cooking in boiling water. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Transfering cooked cauliflower gnocchi from water to sheet pan. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Cooked cauliflower gnocchi in sheet pan. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

For this recipe, I went with a very simple and traditional tomato sauce.  My version cooks up fast since you are spending more time making the gnocchi from scratch.  It’s the perfect sauce to go with these hearty gnocchi!  You could also go with a simple garlic butter sauce…yum!

ENJOY! 😍 Carrie

Cauliflower Gnocchi in tomato sauce on plate with parmesan and parsley. They are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflowerGnocchi on plate with parmesan and parsley. Cauliflower Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Cauliflower Gnocchi in tomato sauce on plate with parmesan and parsley. They are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower
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Homemade Cauliflower Gnocchi Recipe in Tomato Sauce

Soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! These Cauliflower Gnocchi are the perfect little vessel for a delicious sauce.  This Cauliflower Gnocchi recipe is a healthier version to traditional gnocchi, because it's made with cauliflower!  But you don't even taste the cauliflower, only the soft pillowy goodness. Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and you have soft pillows of heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower #familydinner #Pasta #italianrecipes

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword cauliflower, gluten free, gnocchi
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 1 head Cauliflower about 4 cups florets
  • 1 Large russet potato
  • 3.5 cups Gluten-free all-purpose flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 Large eggs
  • Cornstarch (for surface for rolling out)

Tomato Sauce

  • 28 oz 28 oz San Marzano Tomatoes, whole peeled 
  • 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Vegetable Base (such as Better than Bouillon brand)
  • 1 cup water (or replace water and vegetable base with 1 cup Vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
  • 1 tsp Oregano (or Italian Seasoning Blend)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated for garnish
  • 1 tbsp Italian Flat leaf Parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. Mince the garlic for the sauce and store in the fridge until ready to use. Cut your cauliflower into small florets.  Peel the potato and cut into small dices.  Immediately add the potato to a small pot and cover with cold water so it doesn’t brown.

    Cauliflower florets for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  2. Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot with about 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot and steam until the cauliflower is fall-apart tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

    Cauliflower florets in pot for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  3. While the cauliflower cooks, also bring the potatoes to a boil and then simmer until fork-tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well.

    Cut raw potatoes in pot for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  4. Drain the cauliflower and then put it in a dish towel and squeeze any excess water out.

    Ringing out cooked cauliflower in dish towel for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  5. While the cauliflower and potato are still hot, mash them together until the mixture is smooth (use a potato ricer if you have one). Mix in the flour, Parmesan, salt and pepper.

    Mashed cauliflower and potato in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  6. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the eggs. Mix well to combine.

    Mixing egg in center of cauliflower gnocchi dough in dish for Cauliflower Gnocchi, which are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  7. Separate dough into three-four equal parts and roll out into 1/2-3/4″ diameter ropes on a surface dusted lightly with cornstarch. Cut the tubes of dough into 1″ pieces.

    Cutting gnocchi on surface for cauliflower gnocchi. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  8. Roll each piece across the tines of a fork to create ridges. Set aside on a cornstarch-dusted baking sheet.

    Rolling gnocchi on fork on for cauliflower gnocchi. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Cook Gnocchi

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook until they float to the surface, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well.

    Transfering cooked cauliflower gnocchi from water to sheet pan. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Make Sauce

  1. Add the olive oil and the minced garlic and stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Add the vegetable base and water or Broth and stir.

    Adding vegetable base to garlic and water in pan for cauliflower gnocchi. These Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

  2. Add the tomatoes and break them up with a spatula.  Mix to combine.  Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.  TIP: If you do not have a cover for your skillet, you can use a sheet pan or just aluminum foil.

  3. Add your cooked gnocchi to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle parmesan and parsley over top and enjoy!

    Cauliflower Gnocchi in tomato sauce on plate with parmesan and parsley. They are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Gnocchi on plate with parmesan and parsley. Cauliflower Gnocchi are soft, silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth! Made with cauliflower, they're a healthier version to traditional gnocchi! Add my simple Garlic Butter Sauce or Tomato Sauce and they are heaven.  #dinnerideas #gnocchi #cauliflower

Easy Cottage Pie Recipe with Chorizo!

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 1 Comment
Jump to Recipe

This Easy Cottage Pie recipe is smokey, salty, and utterly delicious!  My recipe is a mashup of English and Spanish flavors.  First, I’ve added Spanish Chorizo to ground beef, which has fantastic smokey paprika that gives a smokey and peppery bite.  The beef and chorizo are cooked in a rich and savory gravy filled with veggies and herbs.  On top of all this goodness are potatoes loaded with flavor!  My recipe adds manchego, parmesan, and garlic to the potatoes so they’re incredibly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful.  In the oven, the potatoes get toasty and crispy – perfection!

A Cottage Pie recipe is similar to Shepherd’s Pie, but has ground beef vs. lamb.  But either one is also a great way to use up any leftovers you have!  You can use leftover mashed potatoes, any veggies, and really any meat that you have…shredded or ground chicken, ground beef, even shredded pork.  Want more leftover protein dinner ideas?  Check out this freebie printable: 30 Leftover Protein Dinner Ideas!

Potatoes Can be Good For You!

I grew up eating lots of potatoes in the midwest.  My Mom made them for dinner a few times a week.  We would have baked, roasted slices, grilled, pan fried, and butter and chive potatoes.  With my kids, I have not made potatoes as much, so much of their experience with potatoes has been as fries.  Obviously, fries are not the healthiest of potato options, so we can tend to think of potatoes as unhealthy.

However, potatoes are a great source for vitamins and minerals!  They have fiber, protein, Vitamin C, B6, Potassium, and more!  They also have antioxidants that are important because they can fight free radicals. Free radicals can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  For more benefits of potatoes, check out this article from Healthline.com!

Here are some other delicious Potato Recipes to try!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

WHY CHORIZO?

I added Chorizo to this recipe for 2 reasons. First, my husband and I LOVE chorizo! His family is from Portugal and he spent every summer there growing up. So, he had a lot of Chorizo which is so prevalent in Spain and Portugal. His family turned me on and I’ve never looked back.

Second, I wanted to find a way to add more flavor and spice to this very traditional dish. NOT hot spice, just flavor. The paprika that is in Chorizo is perfect! It’s smokey and peppery and brings in a whole new level of deep wonderful flavor that contrasts so well with the creamy potatoes.

BUT, you can definitely leave the chorizo out! Just replace it with (1) another .5 lb of lean beef or (2) more veggies.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You need a large skillet/frying pan for making the veggies, meat, and sauce. I use my absolute favorite 12″ Ceramic Pan, which is great because food really does slide right off with minimal oil and I don’t have to worry about food sticking and burning.  It comes with a glass lid, which is perfect for watching your dinner cook!

You also need a 3-quart Casserole Dish for baking and a sheet pan for setting the casserole dish on in case the shepherd’s pie bubbles over.

PREP-AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR EASY COTTAGE PIE RECIPE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details) 

Please don’t let the number of ingredients in this Cottage Pie Recipe scare you off, I promise it’s super easy!  Everything goes into the skillet and then the casserole dish, so there are really 3 major steps.

  1. Make the Mashed potatoes
  2. Make the filling
  3. Combine everything in the casserole dish & bake

Make the Mashed Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and keep them in cold water until all are peeled and cut. Cut them into small 1 inch size pieces so they cook faster. Put potatoes into a large pot of water (with an strainer insert if you have it). Add 2 tbsp of Salt to the water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil (about 8-10 minutes). Boil for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.Cutting raw potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Adding water to cut potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Adding salt to water with potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Fork in cooked potato for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

While the potatoes are cooking, chop the parsley, dice the carrots, dice the celery, slice the scallions.

Diced carrots for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Sliced scallions for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Diced celery for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

You can also remove the casing from the chorizo and break it up into small rough pieces with your hands, fork, or knife.Remove casing from chorizo for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

break apart the chorizo for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie 

When the potatoes are soft and slide off the fork or break apart easily, drain the potatoes and add back to the pot for smashing. Add 1 cup of milk and smash with a potato masher. Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, manchego cheese, and parmesan and stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and add a tsp of salt or more if needed. Finally stir in a tbsp of chopped parsley.

Mashing potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Adding cheese to mashed potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Mashed potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Make the Filling

Preheat a large (12 inch) skillet or saute pan.  Add 2 tsp Olive Oil and the carrots and celery. Stir to coat in oil and then spread out into an even layer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes.  Add the scallions, garlic, beef, and broken up chorizo. Mix everything and cook the beef until it is all browned or cooked through (no longer pink).

Veggies in skillet cooking for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Beef, Chorizo, and veggies in skillet for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Beef, Chorizo, and veggies in skillet for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

While the beef is cooking, make the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water.Cornstarch slurry for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Add the salt, pepper, thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire Sauce. Mix to combine.  Add the chicken broth and the cornstarch slurry. Stir until it starts to thicken, then cover and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Spread the filling out into a 3-quart casserole dish and mix in the corn kernels.  Now start to spread the mashed potatoes around the top starting with the outside and working your way into the center.

Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Covering filling with potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Covering filling with potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Covering filling with potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspieTIP!  IF you want those beautiful toasty parts on the potatoes, make sure you create peaks and valleys in the potatoes with your spoon.  If the potatoes are completely smoothed out, you won’t get those delicious browned points. 

At this point, you can store the casserole in the fridge or move on to baking it. 

COOK YOUR EASY COTTAGE PIE RECIPE

Bake the casserole in a 400 F degree oven on the center rack sitting in a large sheet pan.  The sheet pan is to protect your oven by catching any of the filling that may bubble over.Cottage Pie recipe cooking in oven. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

When the top is starting to brown, take the Shepherd’s Pie out and let is rest for about 5-10 minutes. 

Cooked Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

You can toss a quick side salad during this time. Serve and enjoy! 😍 Carrie

Piece of Cottage Pie on plate with dish in back. This recipe has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Spatula in Cottage Pie in casserole dish. This recipe has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie
5 from 2 votes
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Easy Cottage Pie with Chorizo

This Easy Cottage Pie recipe is smokey, salty, slightly sweet and utterly delicious!  It's a mashup of English and Spanish flavors with Spanish Chorizo and traditional ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy filled with veggies and herbs.  On top of all this goodness are potatoes with manchego, parmesan, and garlic making them incredibly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie #familydinner

Course Main Course
Cuisine English, Spanish
Keyword Beef, chorizo, one pot, potato, potatoes
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

  • lbs Russet Potatoes
  • 3 tbsp Salt 2 tbsp for water, remaining as needed
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 cup Manchego Cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp Italian Flat leaf Parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

Beef Filling

  • 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Carrots, medium (about 1.5 cups diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (about 1 cup diced)
  • 2 Scallions, sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef, raised w/o antibiotics
  • 6 oz Spanish Chorizo
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme, dried
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Cold Water
  • 1 cup Corn kernels

Instructions

Prep-Ahead Steps

  1. Make the Mashed Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and keep them in cold water until all are peeled and cut. Cut them into small 1 inch size pieces so they cook faster. Put potatoes into a large pot of water (with an strainer insert if you have it). Add 2 tbsp of Salt to the water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil (about 8-10 minutes). Boil for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.

    Cutting raw potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  2. While the potatoes are cooking, chop the parsley, dice the carrots, dice the celery, slice the scallions.

    Diced carrots for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  3. You can also remove the casing from the chorizo and break it up into small rough pices with your hands, fork, or knife.

    break apart the chorizo for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  4. When the potatoes are soft and slide off the fork or break apart easily, drain the potatoes and add back to the pot for smashing. Add 1 cup of milk and smash with a potato masher. Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, manchego cheese, and parmesan and stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and add a tsp of salt or more if needed. Finally stir in a tbsp of chopped parsley.

  5. Preheat a large (10-12 inch) skillet or saute pan. Add 2 tsp Olive Oil and the carrots and celery. Stir to coat in oil and then spread out into an even layer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes.

    Veggies in skillet cooking for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  6. Add the scallions, garlic, beef, and broken up chorizo. Mix everything and cook the beef until it is all browned or cooked through (no longer pink).

    Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  7. While the beef is cooking, make the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water.

    Cornstarch slurry for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  8. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire Sauce. Mix to combine.

    Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  9. Add the chicken broth and the cornstarch slurry. Stir until it starts to thicken, then cover and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.

    Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  10. Spread the filling out into a 3-quart casserole dish and mix in the corn kernels.

    Beef filling in pan for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  11. Now start to spread the mashed potatoes around the top starting with the outside, spreading the potatoes right up against the side of the dish to seal the edge. Work your way into the center.

    Covering filling with potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  12. At this point, you can store the casserole in the fridge or move on to baking it.

    Covering filling with potatoes for Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Cook

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.

  2. Bake the casserole on the center rack sitting in a large sheet pan that can catch any of the goodness that may bubble over.

    Cottage Pie recipe cooking in oven. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

  3. When the top is starting to brown, take the Shepherd's Pie out and let is rest for about 5-10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

    Cooked Cottage Pie recipe. It has Spanish Chorizo and ground beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy with veggies and herbs.  Creamy mashed potatoes sit on top with manchego, parmesan, and garlic. #dinnerideas #cottagepie #shepherdspie

Recipe Notes

Reheating - reheat this in the oven with the cover off so that it stays crispy on top, not soggy.

Freezing - You can split this recipe into 2 smaller casseroles and freeze one for cooking later.  You will want to cook it from the frozen state, starting with a cover for 20 minutes (400F degrees) and then removing the cover for another 40 minutes or until the center is warmed through.

Replacing beef and chorizo - you can definitely replace with ground chicken or turkey.