Can You Freeze Cottage Pie?
Cottage pie is one of those comforting dinners that always seems to taste even better the next day. In our house it’s a great way to use up leftover roast beef, although the traditional version made with beef mince freezes just as well.
Whether you’ve batch cooked a few family meals, have leftovers from dinner or are making a cottage pie specifically for the freezer, the good news is that it freezes brilliantly.
Can You Freeze Cottage Pie?
Yes, you can freeze cottage pie.
Homemade cottage pie freezes really well, whether it’s cooked or uncooked, made with fresh or previously frozen beef mince, or topped with creamy mashed potato. Individual cottage pies also freeze exceptionally well because they’re quicker to defrost and reheat than one large family-sized dish.
If you’ve got leftovers that won’t get eaten within a couple of days, freezing them is a great way to prevent food waste and save yourself cooking another meal later in the week.
Can You Freeze Homemade Cottage Pie?
Yes. Homemade cottage pie is one of my favourite meals to freeze because it keeps its flavour and texture really well.
I often make mine using leftover roast beef rather than mince, but whichever version you prefer, freezing works just as well. It’s perfect for batch cooking and means you’ve got a homemade dinner ready for those busy evenings when nobody feels like cooking.
Can You Freeze Cottage Pie Made With Frozen Mince?
Yes.
If you originally made your cottage pie using beef mince that had previously been frozen, it’s perfectly safe to freeze the finished cottage pie.
That’s because the mince has been thoroughly cooked before freezing again.
Can You Freeze Cottage Pie With Mash On Top?
Yes.
The mashed potato topping freezes really well and stays fluffy after reheating. Sometimes it can look a little watery after defrosting, but once it’s heated through in the oven the moisture is usually absorbed back into the mash.
Can You Freeze Cooked Cottage Pie?
Yes.
Cooked cottage pie freezes beautifully. Just allow it to cool completely before placing it into the freezer.
You can freeze:
- Whole family-sized cottage pies
- Individual cottage pies
- Leftover portions
- Cottage pie in foil trays
- Cottage pie in freezer-safe plastic containers
Can You Freeze Uncooked Cottage Pie?
Yes.
If you’re making cottage pie ahead of time, I actually think this is one of the best ways to freeze it.
Prepare the beef filling and mashed potato topping as normal, assemble the pie, then freeze it before the final bake in the oven.
This means the mashed potato browns nicely when you eventually cook it instead of becoming overcooked during reheating.
Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes.
Shepherd’s pie freezes just as well as cottage pie.
The freezing instructions are exactly the same. The only real difference is that shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie is traditionally made with beef.
How To Freeze Cottage Pie
Freezing cottage pie is really straightforward.
If you’ve made a large pie, consider dividing it into smaller portions first. Smaller portions freeze more quickly, defrost faster and mean you only need to take out what you need, helping to reduce food waste.
- Allow the cottage pie to cool completely.
- Divide into portions if required.
- Transfer to freezer-safe containers, foil trays or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Leave a little room for expansion if using containers with lids.
- Label and date the container before placing it in the freezer.
How Long Does Cottage Pie Last In The Freezer?
Cottage pie is best used within three months.
It will still be safe to eat after that if it has remained continuously frozen, but the mashed potato may begin to dry out and the filling can gradually lose some of its flavour.
How To Defrost Cottage Pie
The safest way to defrost cottage pie is overnight in the fridge.
If you’ve frozen a large family-sized pie, allow up to 48 hours for it to thaw completely.
Although it’s possible to cook cottage pie straight from frozen, it takes much longer and I find the mashed potato often starts to dry out before the middle is fully heated.
How To Reheat Cottage Pie
Reheat cottage pie in the oven at 180°C until piping hot all the way through.
- Individual portions usually take around 30 minutes.
- Larger family-sized pies may need 45-60 minutes.
If the mashed potato starts browning too quickly, simply cover the pie loosely with foil and remove it during the final 10-15 minutes to crisp the top.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring the filling where possible, until piping hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze cottage pie to cook later?
Yes. Freezing cottage pie before its final bake is actually one of the best methods if you’re meal prepping ahead of time.
Does cottage pie freeze well?
Yes. Cottage pie is one of the best freezer meals because both the beef filling and mashed potato topping freeze exceptionally well.
How long can you freeze cottage pie?
For the best quality, use frozen cottage pie within three months.
Can you freeze individual cottage pies?
Yes. Individual cottage pies freeze particularly well and are much quicker to defrost and reheat than one large pie.
Can you freeze cottage pie with mashed potato?
Yes. Mashed potato freezes very well and makes an excellent topping for freezer-friendly meals like cottage pie.
More Freezing Food Guides
Looking for more ways to reduce food waste and make the most of your freezer? Browse our Freezing Food Hub, where you’ll find hundreds of freezing guides covering vegetables, meat, dairy products, leftovers, sauces, desserts and much more.
Related Articles
If you’re freezing comfort food and batch-cooked meals, you might also find these guides useful:
