Quorn Cottage Pie

A deliciously easy vegetarian version of Cottage Pie. This Quorn Cottage Pie is easy to make and tastes amazing. A great weeknight family dinner.

I get asked a lot if I use Quorn products. While I don't use a lot of substitute "meats" I always have a couple of things in my freezer for emergencies. For example, veggie sausages are a must! If I need a quick dinner my veggie sausage casserole is easy to pull together. And I always have a bag of Quorn mince.

Quorn mince is so handy when you want a quick dinner, it doesn't need to cook for long and it takes on flavours very well. I sometimes use it to make Quorn Chilli, Quorn Bolognese or add it to my lentil bolognese but it really works very well in a cottage pie. I've included in this recipe a few of my tips for taking your Quorn Cottage Pie to the next level! And if you have more time try my Lentil Cottage Pie.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quorn Mince - It's easy to use, doesn't need to be defrosted and it takes on flavours very well.
• The sauce - Rich and flavourful, everything you expect from a cottage pie.
• Fluffy potato topping - Perfect mash tops this filling with some extra cheese on top.
• Quick and Easy  - This vegetarian cottage pie is so easy to make and takes less time than a regular cottage pie. Making this a great weeknight dinner!

What You'll Need

This recipe is a simple combination of Quorn mince, Carrots, Peas, Potatoes, and some store cupboard ingredients.

How To Make Quorn Cottage Pie

This is just a quick visual guide. Please see the recipe card below for full instructions and ingredient list.

1. Cook the onion, carrots and celery until soft.
2. Add garlic, chopped rosemary and cook for a minute then add a tablespoon of flour and a tablespoon of tomato puree (tomato paste). Stir well.
3. Slowly pour in vegetable stock. Add the Quorn mince and stir well.
4. Stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce, add a bay leaf and some fresh thyme and simmer. Cook the potatoes, then mash them.
5. Once the sauce is thick transfer it to a casserole dish. Stir in the frozen peas.
6. Top the filling with the mashed potatoes, spread some grated cheese on top then bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

• Quorn Mince - You can now find Quorn mince in all supermarkets in the frozen aisle. You could also use soya mince or tempeh mince.
• Potatoes - For the fluffiest mash I use Maris Piper potatoes, King Edward, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work very well too. I make my mash by adding salted butter and semi-skimmed milk.
• Vegetables -You will need 1 medium brown onion, celery and carrots. I add frozen peas to the filling but you can add fresh peas if you wish.
• Herbs - Fresh rosemary and thyme are best for this. I also use a dried bay leaf, again you can use fresh if you have it. I also add garlic but you can omit that if you want.
• Stock - I made my stock using one vegetable stock cube and half a pint of boiling water. You can use homemade stock if you have it or vegetable bouillon.
• Tomato Puree - Also known as tomato paste in the US. Note that this cannot be substituted for tinned tomatoes.
• Red Wine - I include red wine to add more flavour to this, but this is optional, and I would omit it if I was serving this to young children.

Tips For Making The Best Quorn Cottage Pie

• Adding fresh herbs will elevate your cottage pie! I love adding different herbs to this pie and while thyme is the traditional herb for cottage pie, some chopped rosemary will give it some lovely extra flavour.
• Soy Sauce! I always add a generous tablespoon of dark soy sauce to my veggie cottage pie. This works as a substitution for Worcestershire sauce and will bring an extra depth of flavour. You can use tamari if you need to, or a low sodium soy sauce. I sometimes add red currant jelly too!
• Simmer - If you have time leave the filling to simmer for a bit, this helps the flavours to meld together and will give you a richer flavoured Cottage Pie.
• Don't over mash your mash! Your mash should be smooth and fluffy but not gloopy or too wet as it will just sink into the filling. You want a definite layer of mash on top. I always add some grated mature cheddar on top of this Cottage Pie but that's totally up to you.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can you freeze Quorn cottage pie? Yes, you can freeze this Quorn cottage pie. Leave the cooked pie to cool completely then wrap the dish in freezer-friendly cling film and place in the freezer. Use within one month. Defrost the pie overnight for 24 hours and cook in the oven until it is piping hot.

Do you have to defrost Quorn mince? According to the Quorn website, you do not need to defrost it. You can use chilled Quorn mince though, and if you do please follow the recipe as you would for using frozen mince.

Can you reheat Quorn cottage pie? Yes, you can. Any leftovers should be cooled then stored in the fridge. They should be used within 48 hours. Reheat the pie in the oven or microwave and make sure it is piping hot before you eat it. Do not reheat more than once!

More Comfort Food Inspiration

If you love comfort food then you'll love these Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, perfect with veggie sausages and gravy. My Vegetarian Stew is also one of our favourite comfort food dinners, perfect for when the weather gets cooler.

If you're looking for a great side for your Sunday lunch then these Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are delicious and only take 30 minutes!

Finally, if you prefer not to use Quorn then my Meat Free Cottage Pie is so tasty.

Have you made this Quorn Cottage Pie Recipe? Rate it and leave me a comment below to let me know what you think.